PFD "Settlement Offer"

[23tony]

I just got a response to a PFD that is a settlement offer, but with no indication of agreement to delete.

 

The letter reads

 

This letter is to formally advise you that our client XXX has agreed to a one time Settlement Offer of $180.00 on this bill. We will allow 45 calendar days for the payment to arrive in our office. If payment is not received by 2/18/2014 this offer will be considered null and void and full balance will be due.

 

The way I'm reading this, it seems they're not accepting the PFD offer and are trying to collect without agreeing to delete. Just want to be sure there's not some subtlety I'm missing (I can't see what it may be). My PFD was VERY CLEAR to NOT acknowledge the debt, stated specific terms (they agree to remove the trade line, not to discuss, etc - all the usual), and that they send a response agreeing to those terms. This doesn't do that.

 

However, I've read about cases where CA's will accept it but not confirm when you dispute.

 

Background:

 

This is a medical collection. PFD was sent before I found out about WhyChat's method - I was waiting on a response before starting down that path because I just want this to go away. According to my CR's (just obtained) this is scheduled to fall of "around 07/2014" and "09/2014" - but I'd like to get it off sooner as it's standing in the way of me getting a mortgage. (Plus I know they can stay on longer). Although it's an older debt, it's causing me trouble because it's being reported active every month.

 

Any thoughts or advise on this?

 

 

[funkiehouse]

I believe you are correct.

[shifter]

that's not a PFD letter.

[funkiehouse]

Sounds like its past SOL too. I would respond with your same letter but make sure that you tell them its past SOL, if in fact it is in your state.

[funkiehouse]

Oh, and if you can wait 4 months you may be able to do an obsolete dispute on the first one and the other 2 months later. I imagine there may still be other options since its medical so wait for others to reply.

[23tony]

I was thinking of going with WhyChat's method - but I'm not sure if that gains me much over waiting for it to fall off. Sending the PFD wouldn't have done anything to let them keep it on longer, right?

[23tony]

Funny thing - the "settlement" is for only $5 less than they're claiming I owe - some settlement!

[funkiehouse]

I was thinking of going with WhyChat's method - but I'm not sure if that gains me much over waiting for it to fall off. Sending the PFD wouldn't have done anything to let them keep it on longer, right?

 

No. They can't legally report after the 7.5 year mark. It sounds like you said the right words in your letter.

[23tony]

I wish I knew when DOFD actually was on this. I see "First reported" on my CR's - would that be it? Because despite what the CR's say about "due to fall off" the dates put it at still under 7 years. TU says "Placed for collection" 5/12/08, but that it will be removed 9/14 - so I'm a bit unclear on that.

 

Funny thing, EQ is reporting it as a different CA than the other two.

 

And I just saw that EQ reports DOFD as 10/2007 - would that necessarily be the same for all CRAs?

 

7.5 years takes this into 2015 - I think I'm leaning toward WhyChat's method with that timeline.

[shifter]

DOFD for this type of account would be when it was first past the due date.

[23tony]

DOFD for this type of account would be when it was first past the due date.

Thanks for clearing that up!

[funkiehouse]

I would get hard copies to make sure. DOFD is required on them if CO.

[23tony]

I would get hard copies to make sure. DOFD is required on them if CO.

 

If you're referring to CR's - I did get hard copies. Had them mailed. No DOFD on TU or EX - although EX shows a collection history back to July 2007. No history on TU.

[mariuszh]

Do NOT attempt a PFD on this. Cease communication with the CA. Being this old there is an EXTREMELY low chance this CA has a current business relationship with the OC, therefore meaning you are throwing money down a rathole should you pay a penny to the CA.

 

Begin Why Chat's HIPAA letter program on this medical collection.

http://whychat.5u.com/GUIDEBOOK.html

http://whychat.5u.com/GUIDE%20HIPAA%20PROGRAM.html

 

 

Start a thread in the medical forum specific to your medical CA should you need assistance.

 

For future reference, a PFD is a method of LAST RESORT to remove a CA, not a starting point. It is to be attempted after you have exhausted all other methods of removal, as it is the least likely to work.

[mariuszh]

DOFD for this type of account would be when it was first past the due date.

 

DOFD on a medical collection is the date of medical service.

[23tony]

Do NOT attempt a PFD on this. Cease communication with the CA. Being this old there is an EXTREMELY low chance this CA has a current business relationship with the OC, therefore meaning you are throwing money down a rathole should you pay a penny to the CA.

 

Too late for that as this was a response - but to me it wouldn't have been throwing money away if it had worked. Since it didn't, my biggest issue is whether WC method is faster than just letting it fall off...

 

I have no idea when the date of service was.

[mariuszh]

 

Do NOT attempt a PFD on this. Cease communication with the CA. Being this old there is an EXTREMELY low chance this CA has a current business relationship with the OC, therefore meaning you are throwing money down a rathole should you pay a penny to the CA.

 

Too late for that as this was a response - but to me it wouldn't have been throwing money away if it had worked. Since it didn't, my biggest issue is whether WC method is faster than just letting it fall off...

 

I have no idea when the date of service was.

 

 

The speed of the HIPAA letter program is different in every situation. It may be removed during the first step, or it may take you going through the entire process. I have personally seen both ends of the spectrum.

 

The only thing you have to lose in starting the HIPAA letter program now is the cost of postage.

 

With a PFD you have the amount of the collection to lose.