Hello,

I have a Home Depot account I owe 9500 min payment 315. My due date is two days from now. I called HD 2 weeks ago and asked to defer my next two payments because I will not be able to pay them. Keep in mind I have never paid late or missed a payment in 6 years. They told me no programs were available at this time. I then asked what do I do just not pay the bill? I then responded and said I want to pay and I am trying to work with you but I could be mean and file bankruptcy and not pay you at all. The woman notated my account and closed it which is OK with me all because I said the work Bankruptcy. I told her that I wasn't going to file bankruptcy but she said it doesn't matter I said the word. So here it is 2 days before my bill is due and I receive a letter from a collection agency asking for me to pay my bill in full?? It's not even late... Can Citibank legally put me in a collection agency for saying the word bankruptcy?? Please help any and all advice welcome.

Send a letter to the collection agency with return receipt requested advising them that you are asking for "Validation" of their claim. Let them know that they have 30 days to respond and that contacting you within the 30 day period is considered a violation of the FDCPA. Inform them that you are well aware of your rights under the FDCPA (and become familiar with it, by the way... ) Do not promise them anything.

Call them about a month later and once they realize they cannot pressure you into paying in full, they will allow you to make payments on the account.