Reader’s Question

Dear Ashley,
I did not give a debt collector my bank account number, but I saw they tried collecting from my account. Is there any other way for them to get my account information, legally? Or should I pursue legal actions against them?

My Response

Hi [name removed],
There are a couple of things you should do before pursuing legal action. First, you need to verify and be certain that it was actually this company that was attempting to collect from your bank account. I say this because unless you gave them your bank account information, there is no way they could have legally obtained it. Furthermore, they need your permission before they can take any funds from your account. Second, if you have determined that it was indeed this company, I would call them and yell at them for awhile about this issue. I would do this before pursuing legal action because lawyers aren’t cheap and you don’t want to be hasty about getting a lawyer and filing suit.

Hope this helps,
Ashley

Reader’s Question

I have 7 collection accounts on my credit report, and I am willing to pay them off. But I really want them removed. what is the first step in doing this?

Response

You’re in a good position if you’re willing to pay them off. Write a letter to each of the collection agencies stating that you are willing to pay in full if they can provide in writing that they will remove the entries from your credit report. This usually works great.
-Ashley

Reader’s Question

Hello Ashley -
I had an account with Citi that went to collections after a charge off, can I bypass the collection agency and call Citi directly?

Thanks!
[name removed]

Response

Hi [name removed]

Yes, in most cases you can do this. As a matter of fact, I recommend always calling the original creditor first –that way you don’t have to deal with scum bag collection agencies.

-Ashley