Debt Settlement Letters

No one wants to have to deal with creditors on past due accounts. However, when the debt is legitimate then a person should do everything possible to pay it. Late payments usually always mean late fees and high interest charges. By the time a creditor sends out debt collection letters the balance may be much higher than expected. When creditors fail to get responses from debtors they may employ or sell the account to a third party collection agency. First contact from a collection agency will usually come from a letter in the mail asking for clarification of a debt from the account holder. However, some collection agencies adopt aggressive ways to try and collect money. When this happens the debtor does have rights to protect him or her from harassment and threats.

When contacted by collection agencies there are a few things that a person needs to do. When talking to a collector always get their full name and write it down as well as the name and address of his or her company. A fax number and phone number should be written down as well. Ask for the name of the original creditor and the balance that is owed. Let the collector know that a follow-up letter is needed for verification. After receiving debt collection letters a debtor should let the collection agency know how he or she prefers to be contacted. When a collection agency uses harassment procedures or makes threats the debtor can refuse to deal with them. A letter must be written asking them to stop making contact and detailing why the person refuses to deal with them. The best way to avoid having to deal with creditors and collection agencies is to be diligent in paying bills and to try and not become overextended. "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own" (Luke 16:12)?

Any correspondence from a creditor or third party agency should be documented. The best way to document is by keeping a file and recording the date and time, who was spoken to, or who the letter is from, and what the conversation or letter was about. Any agreements with collection agencies should be documented with a copy being sent to the creditor. To prove mailing the individual should send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested. Debt collection letters that are questionable should be researched as soon as possible to be certain that someone has not acquired personal information and used it to open an account falsely. Identity theft is a real threat and should be dealt with as quickly as possible. A person who suspects identify theft will need to contact the creditor who is billing him or her and the credit bureaus to alert them.

When a consumer is unsure if the debt is legitimate he or she should never agree to settle or even make one single payment on the claim. Making a payment is the same as acknowledging that the account is legitimate and makes the person responsible for the remainder of it. Consumers should check the balance with their own records and make sure that the account is legitimate before sending out any debt settlement letters. After the debtor identifies that the account is correct then a letter can be sent out to the collection agency and the creditor with a negotiated settlement. Before making any payments the person in debt needs to request in writing that the agency or creditor accepts the agreement for payment. Many creditors will settle for less than the full balance owed if the individual promises pay off of the agreed amount in a reasonable amount of time. After the balance is paid off the consumer should request a letter stating the balance is paid in full.

When negotiating an agreement on past due balances a person should include specifics in any debt settlement letters on the terms. One specific term that may benefit future negotiations for credit includes the creditor or collection agency contacting the credit bureaus with updated information that the account has been paid off. The consumer should also take advantage of getting a free yearly credit report from each of the credit bureaus so that he or she can become informed about credit. There may be errors on the reports that need to be fixed that pertain to personal information and account information.

Using a debt settlement company to negotiate accounts with past due balances may be easier but will be more costly. Most companies who advertise their services to negotiate through debt settlement letters charge a fee for their services. Some of the claims by these types of companies are that they can settle a consumer's debt for half of what is owed. The debtor should do some research before deciding on a company to use. Companies that have these types of services may also have other services that a consumer can take advantage of to help to conquer financial problems. In addition, taking advantage of a free consultation may help a consumer to make an informed decision on what to do.

Source: http://www.christianet.com/debtsettlement/debtsettlementletters.htm

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