My husband worked for a trucking company that offered CDL training for $1500, which they deducted straight from his paycheck. The deal was if you quit or got fired before paying it off, you’d owe the balance. He worked there almost two years, paid the full $1500, then got fired. A week or two later (October 2024), we got a letter from a debt collector saying we owe $3000 for CDL training.
We were confused since we never got a bill from the trucking company, and he already paid. We contacted HR, got copies of his pay stubs proving the deductions, and sent them to the debt collector. No response. We followed up, and they replied, ‘Yes, haven’t reviewed it yet.’ Now it’s February 2025, and they left a voicemail saying they’ve been trying to reach us. We called back, and the guy was rude, saying, ‘We’ve been trying to reach you since October, buddy!’ We explained everything, and he just said, ‘I don’t know what to tell you.’
We asked for the original bill from the trucking company, and he snapped, ‘We don’t have the original bill, buddy.’ When we mentioned getting a lawyer, he got even madder, saying, ‘Everyone hollers they’re getting an attorney. Don’t get mad at us—talk to the trucking company.’ My husband hung up because it was pointless arguing.
We’re calling HR tomorrow when they open, but has anyone dealt with this before? What should we do?
Stop calling them. Send a certified letter disputing the debt and demanding proof. Once they respond, send copies of your pay stubs by mail. Keep everything in writing.
Jess said:
Stop calling them. Send a certified letter disputing the debt and demanding proof. Once they respond, send copies of your pay stubs by mail. Keep everything in writing.
I had a similar issue. I asked them to send me a bill, then mailed back proof that I had already paid. I also contacted the original company. The debt collector stopped bothering me after that.
They don’t have the bill, which means they probably bought the debt cheap and are hoping to scare you into paying. Never talk to them on the phone. If they send a demand letter, reply by mail that you don’t owe anything and ask for proof.
@Zariah
Same thing happened to me with a student loan. They refused to send proof and just kept asking for money. They legally have to show they own the debt, or they’re just some random people demanding cash.
If the money was taken out of his paycheck, add up the amounts and make copies. Find a lawyer who deals with consumer law—some offer free consultations. Also, send a certified letter demanding proof.
I dealt with a similar situation. Don’t be scared of these people. Next time they call, tell them you dispute the debt and have proof. Say you only want written communication and that you’re recording the call.
They’ll probably stop contacting you after that. Even if they try to sue, it’ll likely get dismissed if you have proof. You don’t even need a lawyer—just show up with your documents.
Stop talking to them. Block their number. If they really think they have a case, let them sue and lose.
They know it’s a weak case, which is why they pressure people into paying a fraction of the amount. If they say you owe $3K and offer to settle for $300, it’s a scam. If you pay anything, you’re admitting the debt is real. Don’t give them a dime.