What is the easiest way to combat a coercive collection agency?

Question

I just received a letter from a collection agency trying to collect a debt from Direct TV from approx. 9 months ago. I went back and forth with Direct TV at the time explaining that an early cancellation penalty was not exactly ethical since the cause of the cancellation was my father's death. Surprisingly it took about 3 phone calls to them to take care of the matter. I had a very detailed letter that I have since deleted (they told me the matter was closed and silly me, actually trusted them). There has been no correspondence since that time, and although I didn't keep the original letter with all the detail, I do have a case number saved in my gmail account. And then today I get this letter. The company rep. was extremely rude, cut me off when I asked for some documentation from them on the matter, and said if I didn't pay in the next 30 days, they would report me to the credit bureau. I have an excellent credit rating and could easily pay this but it's more the principle.

Answer 1

2 bad U didn't have a recording of the rep's rudeness, U coulda sued. U have rights as a debtor.

Answer 2

First off, i am sincerly sorry for your loss.  

You didn't mention if the DTV contract was in your name or your fathers.  I assume it was in yours, but do clarify if that's not the case.

The passing of a parent doesn't absolve you from paying something that you signed a contract for.  You are still contractually obligated to pay the cancellation fee.  If your father was the person who signed the contract, then you should be able to produce a copy of the death certificate and DTV can, at their option, forgive the fee.

Again, I am sorry about your father's passing and I understand this is probably NOT what you wanted to read.

******

Unfortunately, if it's in your name and you don't have anything in writing from DTV stating that the bill is "paid-in-full" with nothing owed, you'll still have to pay the collections people or have it go against your credit record (they may still come after your legally).  Having just the case number won't help since you really don't know what's in there - the DTV folks could have written literally anything - even flat out state you said you would pay the fee.  At this point, they've got you on a legality since you signed the original contract and thereby promised to honor the terms.  It stinks, I know but at this point, you can stay true to principle (which is a great trait) but I personally feel that the cost may be too high to be worth it (a good credit history is hard to find!).

All the best...

Answer 3

I too am sorry for your loss. I am just starting up a collection agency myself. Although mine will be ran using more compassion.

The fair debt collection act mandates that collections agencies must suspend all attempts at collecting a debt once you have asked them to stop calling you or if you dispute the debt. If you dispute the debt they are suppose to provide you with proof of the debt that comes from their client (dtv). You may want to do this in writing. I would then notify dtv that you have a case number and see if they can look up the information that you need.

I hope that this works for you. Bottom line if dtv doesnt come up with the info and will not   re-forgive the debt the collection agency will resume efforts and then will follow up with any threat that they have said eg... reporting to credit bureau...

or you could contact an attorney. that would cost more than its worth.. have a good day.....

Answer 4

clearly you were mislead by DTV. They took the fees as a loss. Pay the early cancelation fee and be done with it.

I'm sorry to hear about your fathers death however that doesnt excuse you from a contract.