Reader’s Question

Hi Ashley,
I have an unpaid account in collections. But the original creditor is also on my credit report. Which one should I negotiate with to pay and have it removed? Do I negotiate the full amount, or the settlement amount?

Response

Hi [name removed],
Try to stay away from collection agencies at all costs! They are liars and will say or do anything to get you to pay. If you can, negotiate with the original creditor –offer to pay them in FULL (if you can) if they agree to take the bad entry off of your credit report. Get everything in writing and never give out your bank account information. You can read what is likely to happen if you give your bank account number to a collection agency on this article regarding negotiating with creditors. Also, check out the free dispute / negotiation letter section of the site for free sample negotiation letters to get you started.

Hope this helps
Ashley