Giving debt collector access to checking account?

[wdwood71]

What is the name of your state? GA

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What is the name of your state?GA
I am dealing with a debt collection company and am trying to work out payment arrangements. They are telling me that they want to auto draft the funds from my checking account every month. I obviously don't want to give access to my checking account to anyone, however, they are telling me that if I just send them a check every month, there is nothing to stop the account from "rolling forward" or going to court for a judgement.
According to them, only if I let them withdraw the funds, will they prevent that from happening. They say that if they accept funds mailed in or whatever, and then they have to go to court they will be behind in the process somehow.
It all sounds fishy to me. I am supposed to get something in writing from them which I have not received yet, telling me how much they will be withdrawing every month etc...

Should I allow them access to my bank account? What will stop them from continuing to withdraw funds even after I am able to settle for the final amount, or pay them off?

 

[enjay]

Under NO circumstances should you give them access to your checking account.

 

[wdwood71]

What are my alternatives? If I am sending them money, can they still press for a judgement? Do they have to right to refuse to make any deals with me unless I turn over access to my checking account?

 

[ihatearizona]

What are my alternatives? If I am sending them money, can they still press for a judgement? Do they have to right to refuse to make any deals with me unless I turn over access to my checking account?

If you are sending them money they still can try to get a judgment.

A check is not the only form of payment they can accept. I'd tell them that I don't have a checking account - or if you've already told them that you do, tell them that it's been frozen by the IRS. I bet that they'll come up with another way for you to pay ASAP.

 

[Ladynred]

Further, do NOT send them any PERSONAL checks, send them money orders or cashier's checks that you get from ANY OTHER bank but your own. They are full of crap about auto-withdrawl being the only way they'll take money -- they'll take it alright.. ALL of it and whenever they feel like it too !!

If you send them payments, make sure you have copies of the checks and send them in such a way as to get a tracking receipt so you know EXACTLY when they got it.

Alternatively, you could set up a bank account in some bank away from your own and ONLY have the amount in it that they want - they will NEVER get more than they are supposed to that way. When they are paid off, close the account IN WRITING.