Could the collection agency be calling a bluff?

Question

On the 18th I was contacted by a collector about a loan from 1999. Because the judgement was renewed in 2006 it's w/in our state SOL. I was told that I could make a pmt w/my cr cd but that it had to be done over the phone and not in person which I declined. I sought out legal advise & when I spoke w/the co. on the 19th I inquired about the co. I'd be paying & the rep grew defensive & gave me the wrong name and hung up. Yesterday I was told that papers were filed w/the court on the 19th but processing could be avoided w/a pmt arrangment. When I asked for written documentation about any arrangement I agreed to I was told that it couldn't be provided. When I expl that it would be reqd I was asked who I'd been speaking to my consumer rights which I told the collector was irrelevant to my request. When he wouldn't budged I ended the conversation. Is there a chance that they will go ahead and go through w/the hearing of assets. I'm trying to pay my debt, but they're making it impossible too.

Answer 1

Almost sounds like a scam.  I'd make a record of all your've tried to do and call their bluff.

Answer 2

Contact the US Attorney office in your state and see if this agency is for real or not. Never do any payments over the phone.If they are real, send them money orders monthly.

Answer 3

Impossible to tell if they are bluffing...the implied threat of lawsuit is a favorite trick of debt collectors everywhere. If there is "really" an attorney who is taking legal action against you, per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you have the right to speak with the attorney. Request to know his/her full name  and license # in the state bar association.

Never, ever give a debt collector your bank account info or credit card #'s to make a payment...they'll take out WAY more than you authorize if you do this.