[rbalmer]

A attorney for a collection agency got me the validation of several medical bills. So who is it better to pay? The attorney, the collection agency or the original medical places? I would like to pay the original medical places, and send a letter to the attorney and collection agency saying that they are paid so your wrong. Who would it be best to pay?

[ballengerb1]

Your medical people may have sold the debt to the collection agency or they may just be working on their behalf. Before you pay anyone you should call the original debtor and ask what they want you to do.

[bretb]

I have to agree. Remember who you owed the money to all along. If the original 'creditor' sold the debt and will not accept payment, work out some settlement with the scavengers if you wish, but I suggest around 15% to 20% of the original balance (depending on how long it's been since the bills were due).

Remember scavengers pay literally pennies on the dollar for old, bad debts. Don't help feel their fire to pursue others by making it worth their while to get 300% to 1,000% increases on their investments. They're NOT the original creditor, but a scavenger that exists to try to take advantage of the situation, you and screw the original creditor out of money they have written off.