How can you settle a disputed bill with a collection agency who is trying to force you to pay the entire amount of the bill plus interest when you were never even sent an invoice from the creditor?

Answer 1

I don't know where you are in this. But, If the bill is disputed, you can request verification of the items or charges on the disputed bill. Then you can dispute directly with the collection agency and the original company about the invalid charges on the bill. If they state that the charges stand, or don't do anything other than re-sending the same bill stating that they have verified the bill (actually most do this), then you have the right to fire the collections agency. Send a Cease and Desist notice to the Collections Agency, this will force the original company to deal with you directly or go to another collections agent. If you never received a bill, but you agree to the charges without the interest, then you can contact the company that originally billed you, and see if they are willing to take a payoff of the bill in full minus the interest. If they are willing to do that payoff with out interest, then that would be the best way to go. However if they insist on the interest explain that since no bill was sent to you until you received the collections notice, and that you should not have to pay interest due to this very fact. Explain to them it is as much their fault, as it is yours, and in meeting in the middle it is a win/win situation. They get the principle amount, and you off their books, and you of course are able to go on with your life with no more collectors after you. Whenever you send a check for a payment in full, always note this fact on the memo field of the check. If they cash the check, then they cannot come after you for the interest involved in the account. Just keep a copy of that check for your records. I am not a laywer, but I have had to deal with situations like this personally and also through friends.. So please check with a Lawyer first, or do your own due diligence.