Posted on March 17, 2009 at 9:08 pm I owe about $4500 on a credit card that I haven't been able to pay off for about 9 months. It got sent to collections, and now I have collectors calling me. I wish I had researched before I spoke to them, because I've already committed a few no-nos.(Gave them another contact number, told them where I work, how much I make, etc.) Essentially, they're telling me that I have until the 25th of this month to pay this debt in full before they take "action." (no idea what that would entail.) They have been trying to get me to apply for a loan for the amount of my debt because my credit score hasn't been totally annihilated yet. (This credit card is the only blemish on my credit report. I haven't missed a payment on my car loan or student loans.) They told me they won't negotiate anything with me because my credit score is too high (wtf?) and I am pretty much at a loss. I make about $1600 a month and live at home, so could definitely swing a monthly payment now that I have a job.Can they really do anything if I don't make a full payment by the 25th? How can I get them to negotiate with me?

Posted on March 18, 2009 at 8:06 am If you are unable to resolve the issue by talking to the CSR, I would ask for the manager.  Debt Collectors are trained to push for payment in full by a certain date.  Payment in full is not always an option, otherwise you would have already paid that rather than having a negative mark on your credit score.  If you talk to the manager, be honest with them and explain that you are in a financial hardship and offer a payment plan of what YOU are comfortable with.  Most good companies will not refuse a payment of any sort as long as you are honest and making an attempt to fix this.

Posted on March 20, 2009 at 10:17 am Haven't had any luck talking to these people. I think it might be because they aren't a 3rd party collection agency, but an extension of my original creditor. I applied for a loan to pay them off and got denied, and every time I talk to them I get yelled at. I'm wondering if I'm just better off letting them sue me.

Posted on March 21, 2009 at 9:26 am Just remember, if you are sued the courts may grant a garnishment which means they will automatically take money out of your paycheck through your employer until the total amount is paid.  They will also add on court filing fees, attorney fees, etc that you will be obligated to pay.

Posted on March 21, 2009 at 9:32 pm Since all else has failed, try and work things out with the head of authority. Request for a monthly installment program to pay off your debt bit by bit. Otherwise, tell the FBI you witnessed a mob hit and get a new identity.

Posted on March 23, 2009 at 1:38 am so, apparently the interest rate they're charging me is illegal in NY state. and i have TRIED to pay them. they keep throwing around the term "refusal to pay" when, i haven't refused anything. i have explained how it isn't possible for me to give them $4200 in one lump sum, but am ready, willing and able to pay a monthly fee. they won't budge. i don't know what they expect me to do... rob a bank?

Posted on March 23, 2009 at 7:38 am When I worked as a debt collector, we often through around the term "refusal to pay".  This was used as a scare tactic and many times it worked.  It is quite frightening when someone says I can't pay that and I would have to come back and say "Okay, I will note your account as a refusal to pay and see if my manager would like to pursue further action".  This sounds much scarier than if I said "Okay, I will put a note that you are unable to pay at this time and we will continue to call you on a regular basis to see if your financial situation has changed and set up a payment agreement".

Posted on March 23, 2009 at 7:39 am Do you know the name of the collection agency handeling this?

Posted on March 23, 2009 at 11:38 am It's Client Services. Do you think I'd have any luck calling Citi Cards? I'm not sure, but I feel like they said they were affiliated with them.

Posted on March 24, 2009 at 9:08 am Is Citi Card the original creditor?  You might be able to call them n negotiate with them.