[LAWSummer]

Hi, I live in PA and I'm being sued for a little over $3,000 for a credit card that I had 5 or 6 years ago. Unfortunately, like many people here, I wasn't aware of what I should do, and just ignored the summons and a default judgement was placed about 3 years ago. I was making monthly payments, but ceased due to lack of income.

The phone calls stopped for a while, but started up again last week. The company suing me is Commonwealth Financial Systems and the collection agency is Edwin Abrahamsem and Associates. I sent them a certified letter a week ago making them a settlement offer of 30%. I received a call from them on Friday, that they received the letter and wanted me to call them to discuss. I'm a little hesitant because I had asked them to respond to me in writing and they didn't. I'm also wondering how likely it will be that they will accept my offer.

I was looking for some guidance online and stumbled across this site. As I was researching, I learned that Edwin Abrahamsem of Edwin Abrahamsem and Associates is the Chairman of the Board for Commonwealth Financial Systems. Is his involvement legal?

[JudyKayTee]

His involvement is legal. I don't understand why, if they have a Judgment against you (which they appear to have) they simply aren't liening against your bank account.

Are you sure there's a Judgment in place?

[ScottGem]

Its possible they will settle, but unlikely if they already have a judgment. Doesn't hurt to talk with them though.

[LAWSummer]

I actually spoke to them last night and verified that there is a judgement in place and they agreed to settle for 50% as opposed to the 30% I had requested, but I'm satisfied with that. Now, the only other thing I'm going to try to negotiate is that they report this to the credit bureaus as "paid as agreed". I'm not sure how successful I will be, but thought I would give it a shot.

[ScottGem]

Do not give them any money until you receive an agreement in writing.