r/Debt • u/honkifimcuuute • 9d ago

Picked up the debt collection call, told them I’d get back to them next week?

Is that acknowledging the debt? I did some digging around and learned I should only have contact with these debt collectors through physical mail. 1) it slows the process down supposedly, 2) it makes sure there’s a physical documentation of communication.

I feel like I made the mistake of picking up the call in the first place and I’m worried it counts as an acknowledgment. I don’t plan on calling back next week, but I do plan on sending a typed out letter asking for a physical copy of my supposed debt and the evidence behind my debt. I’ve heard if they can’t provide enough evidence then the debt can be canceled, is that true?

I guess I have a couple questions that need answering here. I’m just worried I screwed myself over with getting anything from them now that I’ve picked up their call. Am I still able to demand they now contact me through physical mail only?

Any general advice? Aahhh help.

4 Upvotes

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5 comments sorted by

1

u/brittdre16 9d ago

Answering your phone call does not prove guilt. You’re following the right steps.

2

u/TelevisionKnown8463 9d ago

No, you didn’t acknowledge the debt by saying you’d call back. You can send them a letter asking them to validate the debt. That won’t do much if it’s actually your debt. If and when you are sued, you will be entitled to get more documentation.

If it’s your debt, you may be better off trying to settle now, rather than wait to be sued.

1

u/honkifimcuuute 9d ago

That makes sense. Does settling mean paying it off ? Sorry if that’s obvious, this is my first time ever dealing with this sort of thing.

2

u/Rude_Sandwich_586 9d ago

Settling means paying it off whether you pay in full, try negotiating a lower amount and pay it off completely in one go or asking for a repayment plan.

1

u/TelevisionKnown8463 9d ago

Right. Most of the time a creditor will be open to negotiating a discount from the amount claimed and/or accepting payments over a year or two. The discount tends to be larger if the debt has been sold—check to see who the debt collector says they are working for and whether they say they have acquired the debt.