Collection Agency. Is there anything I can do?

[Lachulagreeneyes]

I had insurance with Mendota until last year I did not make a payment and just let it cancel. That was in August. I was never notified that I owed any money until I received a letter from a collection agency on Friday saying it was $75.00 and with collection fee it is now $105.00. I called Mendota and they said they sent me a certified letter in September, and before it went to this collection agency it was at a different collection agency who made three attempts. THIS isthe first letter I have ever received from this. Ugh this makes me so mad when we barely have money for groceries!

[Chapital]

Call them and work out a payment plan...find out if it has already affected your credit, or if not, when they plan to report in on your credit history. I had a similar situation after the birth of one of my children due to the hospital not filing with the insurance. I had to put a couple bills on credit to prevent it affecting my credit while I fought with the insurance to reimburse me. It took many call, but worked out in the end. Good luck...may you have lots of patience

[lvluck777]

I had insurance with Mendota until last year I did not make a payment and just let it cancel. That was in August. I was never notified that I owed any money until I received a letter from a collection agency on Friday saying it was $75.00 and with collection fee it is now $105.00. I called Mendota and they said they sent me a certified letter in September, and before it went to this collection agency it was at a different collection agency who made three attempts. THIS isthe first letter I have ever received from this. Ugh this makes me so mad when we barely have money for groceries!

While you are at it remember those $1,000 you owe me?!?!?


The point?

How do you really know you owe this money? :dunno:

Under the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) you are allowed to dispute any debt you might owe. First thing you do is write a debt validation letter to the original creditor or the collection asking for full validation and prove to you, you actually owe this money. They have thirty days to verify and send you validation of said debt. If the debt is legit and the amounts are correct offer to pay a percentage if they agree or a agree on payment plan.
But VERIFY VERIFY first.
DO NOT TRUST WHAT THEY TELL YOU ON THE PHONE.
Collectors will say anything to have you pay.

Now do you still remember those $1,000????? :cool:

[Glühbirne]

Ask the insurance agency if you can settle by paying them the $75.00 directly. If at all possible, pay the original creditor, not the collection agency.

[J3NNI]

Ask the insurance agency if you can settle by paying them the $75.00 directly. If at all possible, pay the original creditor, not the collection agency.

I did that with tmobile. I cancled my service because the bill was so high and they ent it to collections right away was able to make payments to tmobile instead of the collection agency. They said it would not go on my credit history