Collection attorney won’t accept what I can pay… any advice?

I got a letter from a law firm that’s handling a collection at the start of the year. After several failed attempts to reach them by phone, I emailed them and offered a settlement, but they rejected it and said they’d only take $200 a month. I can’t afford that, so I offered $50 a month. Haven’t heard back yet, and they only accept checks or money orders—no electronic payments. Should I just send a $50 money order anyway?

Don’t send anything yet. Keep offering the $50 a month.

Drew said:
Don’t send anything yet. Keep offering the $50 a month.

So, I shouldn’t even send the $50?

Quill said:

Drew said:
Don’t send anything yet. Keep offering the $50 a month.

So, I shouldn’t even send the $50?

Right. If you send money without a signed agreement, it’s like admitting you owe the debt, and they can easily sue you.

@Harper
And this could restart the statute of limitations. They might not sue, but they’ll probably keep bugging you or sell the debt to someone else.

Quill said:

Drew said:
Don’t send anything yet. Keep offering the $50 a month.

So, I shouldn’t even send the $50?

Save the $50 every month. That way, you can offer a lump sum later along with monthly payments. Just mailing money without an agreement won’t work.

Quill said:

Drew said:
Don’t send anything yet. Keep offering the $50 a month.

So, I shouldn’t even send the $50?

How old is this debt? When did you last pay anything?

Don’t send anything for now. Eventually, they might agree to what you can afford.

I had a similar situation. They kept calling and demanding a high amount. I kept offering half and hanging up when they refused. After six months, they finally agreed.

Collectors always push for the highest payment they think you can manage because they’re afraid you’ll stop paying after a few months. Just stand firm and say, ‘This is what I can afford.’ If they don’t accept it, they might try to take you to court, but most judges will just order you to pay what you can realistically manage.

@Luca
I once offered to pay a dollar a day when I was out of work. They kept calling for a year before giving up. Just stay consistent.

Keep saving until you have more to offer them as a lump sum.

If the debt is only $500, they won’t likely take you to court unless they’re filing in small claims. Don’t send anything until you have a written agreement.

If you can’t afford their terms, just mail them $50 a month. Or tell them you can’t pay anything if you’re ready to face wage garnishment.

Sky said:
If you can’t afford their terms, just mail them $50 a month. Or tell them you can’t pay anything if you’re ready to face wage garnishment.

Sending money doesn’t stop them from taking other collection actions.

@Flynt
True, but you can’t get blood from a stone.

Sky said:
@Flynt
True, but you can’t get blood from a stone.

Ever heard of wage garnishment?

Sky said:
If you can’t afford their terms, just mail them $50 a month. Or tell them you can’t pay anything if you’re ready to face wage garnishment.

Don’t send anything unless they agree in writing to waive fees and interest and reduce the balance. Otherwise, you’re just throwing money into a black hole.

You could send a written request asking them to prove the debt is yours. Use certified mail and keep all records. If they can’t prove it, they may back off.

Hal said:
You could send a written request asking them to prove the debt is yours. Use certified mail and keep all records. If they can’t prove it, they may back off.

Make sure you also request in writing that they contact you only by mail. That should stop the calls. And don’t forget that making a payment can restart the statute of limitations in some states.