Hi mums, I just got an email from a debt collector for a very old debt I had forgotten about. They are demanding I pay a $150 legal fee as well the original debt, which was only $200. Do you think I could call the person I owe the debt to and pay them instead of dealing with the debt collector, or is it too late? Thanks
4 Replies
You could call the person you owe it to and see what happens. Generally though, once it's passed onto the debt collector they've "bought out" that debt and therefore put further costs on it.
To save hassle and further stress, I'd just pay the full $350
Ring the debt collector
Just be sure you double check that it's a legitimate debt and debt collector
How old of a debt? Once it hits 7 years from date of last payment, they go statute barred and can no longer be collected on.
If it's within that 7 years, find out if its on your credit file. If it's not, negotiate a settlement to close it off.
Before that, I'd find out what legal fees. Most debts that go to legals are up in the thousands, and legal fees generally are too so $150 doesn't sound right to me, and neither does going to legals over $200.
Email them though, you'll want it in writing.
- I used to be a debt collector