Debt collector refusing method of payment in California

[sezosyjaho]

I was called by a debt collector yesterday and while we owe the money we don't have the amount they want right now. I can make very minimal payments until I can find a job. The issue is they want us to give them authorization to take money directly out of an account and we are not comfortable with that. I'd rather send them money orders every month but they refuse to accept that. Are they legally allowed to refuse a method of payment? I really don't trust that they are saying I can't do it that way.

 

[mightymoose]

DO NOT GIVE YOUR ACCOUNT INFO! They will take much more than you think they will and you WON'T get it back!

If they won't accept your money orders then don't give them anything. Stop communicating with them. After awhile the debt will be handed over to a different collection agency that might be more reasonable.

How old is this debt? When is the last time you made a payment?

When it gets down to it- they can't take what you don't have. Yes, you owe a debt, but if money is tight KEEP YOUR MONEY and take care of yourself. They can patiently wait.

 

[sezosyjaho]

We owe about $3,000 and it's been a few years since we could afford to pay on it. Thank you so very much for your advice. I think i'll lose their number since I was only going to be able to send them $20 a month.

 

[army judge]

Don't pay them a dime. Change your number and don't give the new, unlisted number to anyone.

Those creeps will telephonically molest you!!!

 

[mightymoose]

We owe about $3,000 and it's been a few years since we could afford to pay on it. Thank you so very much for your advice. I think i'll lose their number since I was only going to be able to send them $20 a month.

The statute of limitations in California is 4 years. The clock starts from the date of your last payment on the account. If it has been 4 years or is close, don't pay anything.

The debt is still valid and they can continue to attempt to collect, however after 4 years has passed they can not get a judgment against you in court, and repayment will always be on your own terms. The debt will still show on your credit reports as well.

If you make even a $1 payment to them you will restart that clock and will have to get through another 4 years.