If the creditor still owns the debt, and has just hired the collection agency to try to collect, then they most likely can continue to charge interest and penalties on the debt, most likely as they would before the debt became delinquent. If the debt has been purchased by the collection agency, then they can charge interest or penalties but they will be regulated by state law.
That's not to say these charges are always correct, or legal. There have been instances where collection agencies have been found to be illegally inflating debts.
Increasing fees and penalties are another good reason for resolving your collection accounts, whether you end up settling your debt for less than the full balance or you get a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.
If you think the charges have been inflated, check with a consumer law attorney or your state attorney general to find out if they are legal.
May 05, 2010
No Mention of Late Fees on Statement by: Anonymous
My mortgage statement has no mention of penalties or late fees or how or when they are accrued.