So, I started negotiating w/ my creditor. They offered $1000 less than my balance last mo. before I even talked about settling. I called today so I could get the address to send correspondence and the lady was really snotty and wanted to know why I wanted to send correspondence. So I told her the guy offered a settlement amt. and I could only pay another amt. ( about a $1000 less). She said there's no way they'd go that low and could I make a pmt. today. I said no and this went on for a few minutes. Anyway, I didn't get the address . So, I'm thinking of calliing back and talking to someone else to get the address to send the counter offer for debt settlement and an agreement form. Also, I asked the lady how the settlement process works. She says they do a verbal agreement and I send the money, then they send me out a confirmation letter. I don't think so. I'm not sending any money til I get a written agreement. What do you guys think I should do? I'm confused and frazzled! She said it was going to a collections agency (she didn't know when) .

I'd call back again and ask to speak to a manager. If they ask why, just say I have spoken to several customer service reps this AM and now I'd like to speak to a manager. Keep reprating it until you get a manager on the phone. Get that address and get your agreement in writing before sending anything out!!! Verbal agreements mean nothing.

Good luck!

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Exactly! They're in business to get money any way they can and remember that. I'm not saying you shouldn't pay your bills but you need to pay your bills in a way that it doesn't take food, housing, and clothing from you family. That means it might take a bit longer than your creditors might like. So just remember, hold your own, and ask for a manager and get everything in writing.

I agree with everyone else - speak to a manager, take notes on the conversation (date, time, person's name, amounts agreed to, etc) and tell them it comes to you in writing first.

I have a couple of comments on this topic. First, How long has it been since you don't pay? The reason I ask is bec. there is a statue of limitation on debts, and it defrers from country to country, so do a search on this.

Second, I agree with the above posts. Talk to management, and GET IT IN WRITTING. Also, make sure you get the Representative's Operator Number (the one that will be transfering to the mngr). There are some rude people that might hang up on you, just so you will not talk to management. Don't let them pressure you! They are the ones that want the money, so they should be the ones to listen to you.

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I would suggest talking to a manager as well and seeing what they can do. You need to take whatever offer they make you and be grateful for it.

Well, I called back and got another person. Thought maybe I could get it out of a more polite rep. She gave me an address that sounded a little strange. It's in a different city than the payment address. So I looked it up on whitepages.com and called the number associated w/ the address and guess what?! The lady at that office said I shouldn't send correspondence there! What a surprise! So, I'm thinking I'll sit on this for a while. I called at the end of Jan. and the rep. (before I even brought it up) offered $2600 for settlement (it's about a $3600 bal.) and I said I needed to discuss w/ dh. Called back yesterday and they offered $2175. I see a pattern here. I think I'll wait a couple weeks and call back and see what happens. I just don't want them to take advantage of the situation and think they can get one over on me because I'm not using a debt settlement co. I've been paying this debt (which was originally a bal. of $5000 5 yrs. ago) then the interest rates shot up and I'm getting nowhere w/ it. I'm gonna stick it out and I'm not about to cower away because I know I can do better. Thanks for your support ladies!