A PFD (pay for delete) is one way route to take to try and get an acct deleted. I have seen this work with CAs and OCs. It NEVER hurts to try.
One thing I can tell you for sure, is that the older the acct is the more likely this will work. If it's out of SOL, even better, because they KNOW that they can no longer legally collect on the date (i.e. take you to court/sue you for the debt). You
can try to bargain them down for a lesser amount but honestly if you really want it deleted and it's not a large amount just offer to pay it off in full for exchange that they delete it.
So....if you are going to try a PFD, the first thing you need to make sure of is if the your state's and the CA's state laws honor restrictive endorsements.
(in my next post, I will be listing a link to the ALL of the state's U.C.C.s w/information on accord and satisfaction)
Below is a sample letter:
You can find more
pay for delete sample letters here.
(this is one that I used for an OC. The CA was reporting but the debt was only assigned so I wanted to pay the OC and make sure they didn't send the payment to the CA - otherwise the CA could report it as paid and I would've had a harder time getting a delete)
*Just be sure to modify it to fit your situation
Date
Your name
Your addy
OC Name
OC Addy
Re: Acct # xxxxxxxxxxxx
To Whom It May Concern:
I am sending this payment via certified mail #xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx to ensure that you receive it.
Enclosed please find personal check #xxxx from < your name > in the amount of $xxx.xx made payable to OC.
By cashing this check OC agrees to the following terms:
1. Acct # xxxxxxxxx is considered paid in full.
2. Remittance is payable ONLY to OC and may not be signed over or transferred to < CA name > or any third party collection agency.
3. The debt will be recalled from < CA name > and any collection activity will cease and desist.
If these terms are agreeable to the aforementioned parties, please accept the enclosed check in the amount of $xxx.xx.
Please note that cashing the enclosed check will bind you to the terms set forth in this letter.
Best Regards,
Your name
*Then on the back of the check under the endorsement area, I put "For Deposit Only to the Account of OC" (That way they cannot transfer the payment to the CA)
Staple the check to the letter and make a photo copy.
This way you have solid proof that if they received that check, they received the letter as well.
Once the check has cleared, give it about 10 days. If you haven't heard anything from them or your TL hasn't been deleted......then you need to contact them and find out why it hasn't been removed yet.
**Please keep this in mind.
This is not the ONLY way to do this. It's just one way. It's a little more gutsy to hand over payment and expect them to delete it. Some people have chosen to call and discuss (if you can keep your calm) payment options and getting an agreement to delete (then of course you want to get it in writing if possible). Some people have sent the PFD letter promising payment (I've even seen them enclose a picture of a MO or cashier's check) in exchange for a written agreement to delete it, however I haven't seen as much success with that.
IMO, if you give them the money, so it's right in their hand, then it is VERY tempting for them to cash it. And DO NOT give them a personal check. Not only does that give them your bank information but you can put a stop payment on a check (or it can bounce). If you give them a MO or cashier's check, it is guaranteed funds.
Also, if anyone has any different PFD letters they would like to share or any other ideas please feel free to contribute. I will also see if I can find some other PFD letters and post them later.