What are my options for dealing with a collection agency?

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What are my options for dealing with a collection agency?

I have an old repression debt, and I was working with Harrison Ross Byck agency. I paid several thousands of dollars on the debt over a 10 or 11 year span. They sold my account to a collection agency. The communication I received from them states the amount due is the original balance of over $18,000. I admit I have very poor records of the amount I have paid. It was monthly checks, from $25 to $100 every month. How do I prove to Legacy that I have indeed paid several thousand dollars on this account already?

Asked on June 11, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Maine

Answers:

MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

The problem is that if you don't have original records, the amount you truly owed may be a challege. But here is a light in your facts. If you paid over a 10 or 11 year period, the debt should have theoretically been paid, but do not admit you owe this debt now. Pull up your credit reports from the credit reporting agencies (you get one free from each of the three major companies once a year).  If the debt is on there, dispute it and have the company (new one or old one) prove the existence of the debt and the amount owed. Do not dispute with the fact you kept poor records; merely dispute the debt itself.


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