Pay for Delete: Do you sign the agreement before sending?

[SecretAgentWoman]

I'm concerned that if I sign the agreement when I send my request for PFD, that it can be used against me somehow...seems I should send it unsigned, wait for them to sign first, then return them my signature.

[willingtocope]

When you're dealing with people like CAs whose whole line of business depends upon half truths and inuendos and who spend their days lying and making threats...a little paranoia is a good thing.

However...just make sure to put a "Yours whatever" and type you name at the bottom and then sign large over top (so they can't lift your signature and put it on something else) and you have a Xerox copy of what you sent with your signature on it.

That's about as good as it gets.

They are probably just as untrusting and might not sign something you haven't (remember, they are used to dealing with us deadbeats).

[myscoresawful]

I always sign my name over the typed name partial, as willingtocope has suggested...but if you're concerned that they might try and use your letter as some sort of acknowledge of the debt, then you might want to use this form letter...you can tweak it to your own liking...I have used it once so far and was successful, though I'm not sure if the letter had anything to do with that. As you will see, it plainly states that you are *not* acknowledging the debt as your own.

good luck!

April

[your name]

[address}

[city, state zip]

[DATE]

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to inform you that the validity of this debt is disputed. The account number I have is the one listed on my credit report – which omits the last few digits.

Account: 847474XXX

Having consulted with an attorney, I am aware of my legal rights and options against you.

In the spirit of compromise , I am proposing the following offer.

I am willing to send you certified funds in the amount of $XX in exchange for the following:

• Deletion of this account on any reporting agencies it resides on, including but not limited to: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

• The above mentioned action takes place no later than 48 hours from receipt of agreed payment in certified funds.

C. You sending me the UDF verifying the above action was indeed completed via postal mail.

D. The understanding that this debt, while not mine , was satisfied in full.

E. Agree to never discus this account with any party and never report nor cause to be reported this account to any reporting agency including but not limited to: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.

Certified funds shall be construed as: Money Order, Certified Check, or Cash.

My letter should NOT be construed as an acknowledgement of liability for this debt in any manner.

My offer shall remain open for X business days from certified receipt of this letter.

If you agree to these terms and accept this agreement as laid out, then please send back your approval on your company's letter head. Make sure the letter is signed by a person with the authority to accept said offer and that your letter states the terms of this offer.

Your letter must be postmarked NO LATER than X business days from the date of certified receipt of this letter.

I look forward to your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[karnoir]

C. You sending me the UDF verifying the above action was indeed completed via postal mail.

what does UDF stand for?

should i write anything on the check that i'm sending collection agency to make sure they won't screw me over?