It's ok. No worries...
So..... now you've talked to the OC (Duke Energy) and they agreed to take your payment. That's great!
Send them this PFD letter:
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
Be sure to modify and put in the correct OC/CA names.
Then on the back of the check........just under the area where they have to endorse it......you write "For Deposit Only to the Account of Duke Energy" . This way they CANNOT transfer the check over to the CA. Which means the CA doesn't get the money and they can't report it as paid on your CR.
If the CA doesn't get paid......then they no longer hold the right to collect on or report the account.
VERY IMPORTANT: Staple the check to the letter......and then make a photo copy of the letter with the check stapled to it. This is solid proof for you.......then they can't say they didn't get the letter.......or there wasn't a letter.
Be sure to send the payment CMRR. This way you can track it and have proof of them receiving..........AND you have the name of the person that signed for it.
And like I said.....it may not be easy......you may have to contact them and light a fire under their arses.......but be persistent and it should work out just fine for you.
Let me know if you have any more questions.