I fell behind on a Providian credit card about 3 years ago and after trying to no avail to work out any kind of payment plan to them (my account had never been late and I always paid above the minimum, and one day I got a letter in the mail stating my account had been closed) I could not pay them anymore money.
I was also informed that my APR had been raised to 29.99%. I did not hear from them again from March 03 until a company called LHR began calling my home in about October. I called Melissa James back and was told that LHR had verified my home ownership and if I did not meke a settlement with them, they would put a lien on my home.
I told Melissa that I would give LHR 10% of the balance (over $1000.00 had been added to the original balance) and was told LHR would get back in touch with an answer. Providian had charged off $2600.00, which was 600.00 more than the highest limit I ever had with them, and LHR was coming after $3684.00.
A few days later, Melissa called and said my offer was accepted and I could send them 2 payments that would equate to 10%of my balance. I was told as soon as the 2nd payment was received, I would receive a letter stating my debt was paid in full and it would be reported as such to all 3 credit bureaus.
I paid my payments on time and did not receive my paid in full letter. I called and spoke with 2 other people who said Melissa was not in, but my account was showing to be paid and my letter should be on the way. After another week, I finally got in touch with Melissa, who apologized for the delay, and assured me that I would receive my letter within 7 days.
On the 7th day, I received a call from someone in LHR (I think his name was Mike) who said he was the one that was in charge of making the decision on whether or not to sue me. I told him about my agreement with Melissa and he laughed at me and said there was no way that they would settle for that. He said I had to pay at least 35%of the debt, and if I gave him $1000.00 that day, he would even count the $350.00 I had already paid them. He said if I couldn't give him the $1000.00 right then, I would have to pay the full amount.
I called to talk to Melissa and got her extension, but was told this lady was Alyssa. Melissa was supposedly fired the day before. This was the same person I had been dealing with, but she was no longer polite like she was before. She, along with everyone else I dealt with after that incident, has been rude. I no longer answer my phone when they call, and I will file a complaint with the FTC so maybe enough of us getting ripped off will make the government investigate and shut down this organization.
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