I had a credit card with Target that ended up going to a debt collector - Chase Receivables. The amount owed on the card was below $200 (the credit limit on the card was only $200.) Well, I was only working part-time and going to school full-time I got into a hole and couldn't afford to pay (I know it's horrible and I am regretting ever getting a credit card in the first place now.)
Well, after being HARASSED by these people at Chase - calling all of my relatives houses and leaving messages with them and on their answering machines - later than 9pm on a weeknight (CRAZY) someone in my family finally gave me the number to call - I haven't even received a letter in the mail - I could have taken care of it or contacted them already!
I called Chase today actually to set up a settlement which he offered me $202.22 instead of the $256.22 or whatever it was - still more than I owed but I knew that it would be hard to fight. I went ahead and set up 2 payments for that settlement amount. The guy had to get the manager on the phone w / us to confirm all of this and "OK" it I guess. Well I asked them to FAX me everything in writing that confirmed I accepted the settlement and that it would be considered "paid in full" after my 2nd payment was received. Well, while the man and the manager (a woman) thought I hung up the phone - they began speaking to one another b/c they thought I was gone. I put the phone on mute only to hear the manager tell the man "She doesn't really owe that much, but we'll go ahead and charge her this higher fee and we'll keep it." After that, the man laughed. I could not believe this.
I work w / attorneys and the one I need to speak to isn't here today, but I called back and asked for the man and he was unavailable. I asked to speak to the manager - I have her name. I had to leave a message. Let's just say its been 5 hours now and no one has returned my phone call. Is there anything anyone could suggest? I am going to consult w / the attorney on Monday. I have read other notes about this company, and it doesn't look good for me that I chose to "settle."
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