Debt Collector Demanding Downpayment Payments

by Aimee
(PA)

Can a collection agency require a minimum down payment to begin paying off a debt and can they require me to make payments by phone?

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Apr 25, 2011
 Paying a Debt Collector
by: DebtCollectionAnswers.com

As we discuss in our book, Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights, a debt collector is not required to offer you a payment plan you can afford. However, that doesn't mean you should agree to a payment plan you can't afford. The bottom line is that paying a debt collector is a matter of negotiation. S/he is going to push to get as much money as possible and you have to push back to make sure you can afford whatever you agree to.

In addition, we don't recommend you pay a debt collector over the phone. You won't have a record of your payments. We encourage you to make payments by certified check and to send them with delivery confirmation or certified mail. If that won't work, you can purchase a prepaid card you use just for these purposes.

Do NOT give the debt collector access to your bank account. It's simply too risky.

Recommended Reading: read the first chapter of Debt Collection Answers online for free

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