[jck4]

I am trying to repay these vultures and they will not settle for a few hundred less than what they offered. I don't understand why they won't except 1000 instead of 1300 otherwise I file bankruptcy why would they not except that offer? Why do they keep calling my girlfriends parents house when they KNOW I don't live there and they have my number.

[ballengerb1]

Their tactic is to make owing them money so unbearable that you will do anything to get out from under them. There once was a nice bill collector, he died penniless.

[LaurieZ]

First, NEVER speak to them on the phone. To protect your rights, everything should be in writing, certified return receipt mail.

Next thing you should do is request validation of the debt with your original signature (to the creditor and whichever bureaus are reproting it), If they validate within 30 days, (http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcra.pdf), they proved the debt and your best bet is to negotiate a payment plan (in writing) that they need to sign and mail back to you before you pay anything. In that letter you must demand that they agree to delete this item from your credit reports permanently and send you a copy, which they must sign. Never lose this letter as it may pop up later, as I know from personal experience!

Mark the last check "Agree to delete from credit bureaus as per our contract dated XXX."
Make a copy of the check as they may try to scratch it out.

If they failed to validate with your original siganture, consumer laws state they must remove it from your report, which may or may not happen. You may have to send letters each month until they get sick of you.

Also, in the letters you send, tell them to cease and desist all telephone contact with you, they may contact you via certified mail only. Otherwise they are violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (Google this).

Good luck.