Live in PA got a FINAL NOTICE from a collection agency because of classes I enrolled but never paid for(and actually never attended). I have been in financial trouble for the past six months because I had gotten laid off from my mortgage job and ran up huge credit card debt. I am wondering if I can make payment plans for this sort of thing and work it all out or if I'm going to have to file for banckruptcy. I enrolled in a credit counseling service for the credit cards but they still keep calling me and demanding money. The credit card debt is at about 12K. The classes are 9K. I am sure I will be able to make payments but I am wondering if they'll be accepted. PLEASE HELP!

You will have to contact them and try to work out the payment plans with them, it's kind of tricky to say if they will accept payment plans or not since it's the final notice but it's worth a shot.

After all the stuff I read hear I am wondering... should I contact a lawer or should I call the University first and try to work something out with them?

If the debt has been turned over to a collection agency, you have to deal with them. The original owner of the debt will refer to the collection agency.

By all means contact them and try to work out a mutually agreeable payment plan. But they may not accept it.

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Originally Posted by baseball13

Live in PA got a FINAL NOTICE from a collection agency because of classes I enrolled but never paid for(and actually never attended). I have been in financial trouble for the past six months because I had gotten laid off from my mortgage job and ran up huge credit card debt. I am wondering if I can make payment plans for this sort of thing and work it all out or if I'm going to have to file for banckruptcy. I enrolled in a credit counseling service for the credit cards but they still keep calling me and demanding money. The credit card debt is at about 12K. The classes are 9K. I am sure I will be able to make payments but I am wondering if they'll be accepted. PLEASE HELP!!

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They don't have to cooperate with the credit counseling service but I am surprised they aren't - what does the counseling service say? Is the collection agency dealing with both of you?

The credit counseling agreements often authorize the agency to work on your behalf and you are advised strongly NOT to talk to any of your creditors.

Side question - did you formally withdraw from the classes? If so, I don't understand the charges.

Well, the update is that I called the collection agency for the classes. They said they can take $100 dollars a month and review it every six months and possibly come to a settlement of about 80% once my financial situation improves(I was relieved). Now I am worried about the credit cards. They continuing to call me and I have just paid my second month with the "Consumer Credit Counseling Services" a division of Money Management International. When I called them for help they said that I SHOULD contact the credit card companies because it will take a month or so until it is approved or not approved by them. I have not paid some of these cards for up to six months. So I am wondering if I should actually contact them. Thank you so much everybody for all your help!!

I do have to wonder about the school charges. If you never attended any classes, you should have cancelled. Generally a school will not charge you full cost if you drop the class prior to the start of classes.

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Originally Posted by baseball13

Well, the update is that I called the collection agency for the classes. They said they can take $100 dollars a month and review it every six months and possibly come to a settlement of about 80% once my financial situation improves(i was relieved). Now I am worried about the credit cards. They continuing to call me and I have just paid my second month with the "Consumer Credit Counseling Services" a division of Money Management International. When I called them for help they said that I SHOULD contact the credit card companies because it will take a month or so until it is approved or not approved by them. I have not paid some of these cards for up to six months. So I am wondering if I should actually contact them. Thank you so much everybody for all your help!!!

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I don't understand the purpose of the consumer credit service if they have you making arrangements which could be contrary to what they are able to arrange - every time you talk to a creditor they use every word you say for their benefit.

I can see calling and say so and so represents you but this doesn't make sense to me.

First of all I did not drop the classes(my fault), I'm just glad I don't have to pay the 9K in one shot. Now, however, I am extremely worried about the cards. They are all overcharged and the interest keeps adding up(4 total). I'm afraid I'm going to get sued. The reason I haven't paid on some of my cards is because I'm going through this service. They told me that it should be OK after the card companies get the proposal and I should stop getting calls in a couple months. I am soooo confused!! :confused: I don't want this going any further, I am trying so hard.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by baseball13

First of all I did not drop the classes(my fault), I'm just glad I don't have to pay the 9K in one shot. Now, however, I am extremely worried about the cards. They are all overcharged and the interest keeps adding up(4 total). I'm afraid I'm going to get sued. The reason I haven't paid on some of my cards is because I'm going through this service. They told me that it should be ok after the card companies get the proposal and I should stop getting calls in a couple months. I am soooo confused!!! :confused: I don't want this going any further, I am trying so hard.

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I think I'd be sending a registered letter to the service to find out just when they intend to send out the letters!