lawyers fees

[tony68]

I wanted to clear a debt from 1998. The collector referred me to a law firm.
Original debt: $99
Lawyer fee: $141
total: $233

I called the law firm and informed them I wanted to settle the $99 only, to which he replied the total was $233 (including the fees), non-negotiable.
I was never made aware this had been referred (much less aware of the debt).
Is there anyway to get avoid the lawyer fee?

[jjgross]

Originally Posted by tony68

I wanted to clear a debt from 1998. The collector referred me to a law firm.
Original debt: $99
Lawyer fee: $141
total: $233

I called the law firm and informed them I wanted to settle the $99 only, to which he replied the total was $233 (including the fees), non-negotiable.
I was never made aware this had been referred (much less aware of the debt).
Is there anyway to get avoid the lawyer fee?

Was the debt from 1998 when did it go del?its past the statue of limitations,they can't collect and if it's on your credit report it should be taken off