General Question

usaloveorleaveit's avatar

How to Handle Debt Payment Fraud?

Asked by usaloveorleaveit (163points) October 6th, 2011

What are my rights with a debt collector?

I made an agreement to pay off a medical debt in six months at $103 per month, with the 1st payment coming on Sept 30th and the second payment on Nov 1st. The final four payments would come out on the 1st of the remaining 4 months.

The first payment came out on Sept 30th as planned, however, the second payment came out 3 days later on Oct. 3rd.

I called my bank and informed them of the error and they stopped the payment. Then I called the debt company and informed them of their error.

They said that was the agreement we made over the phone, so I asked to hear the phone conversation and was denied. I continually informed them that I never agreed to pay on Oct 3rd nor had I defaulted or cancelled. They eventually put me on hold so long that I hung up.

What can I do at this point and what are my rights?

Should I try and get the original $103 dollars back that I paid on Sept 30th and cancel the plan??

Thanks,
Concerned American Citizen

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6 Answers

tedd's avatar

Do you have anything in writing as to the terms of the agreement?

If so, tell them you do and you’ll press charges for them violating those terms.

If you don’t, I would get out of the contract asap.

njnyjobs's avatar

Stop the payment. Write them a certified mail letter stating that you want them to verify the debt they claim you owe.

Consult with a lawyer that practices debt resolution in your area.

GabrielsLamb's avatar

All I do have to say to this is be certain to take measures to DOCUMENT EVERY SINGLE PAYMENT!

I took a year once to pay off a medical bill and when I was done paying it, it was sold after the fact to another company, and they claimed I never paid it and that legally cancelled checks meant nothing because their reference meant nothing compared to the reference to the debt at the company that accepted payment for it.

BE CAREFUL!

njnyjobs's avatar

… and never ever give out your financial information over the phone during this kind of discussions. Always ask to send the verbal agreement in writing by mail to the address on record and say you will respond accordingly after you have reviewed the written agreement.

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