Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Oregon

Re: Collection or Law Agency Threatning to Sue Me

You should probably settle for 1/3 of the debt if you think that is fair or make a counter offer. Under the Oregon Unlawful Trade Practices Act it is a violation to represent that goods are of a particular standard or quatlity if they are not. [ORS 646.608(g)]. When the computer store sold you a product representing that it was something it was not they violated the UTPA. When the debt colletor or law firm attempts to collect the debt they take it subject to all claims and defenses you could bring against the assignor (the computer store). If legal action is brought to enforce the debt you will raise your UTPA counter claims along with breach of contract. If you believe that the 1/3 offer plus what you have already paid is a fair price for what you got then settle. If not offer what you think is the fair market value of what you got. If that is zero so be it. If you have not already I would write to this law firm or debt collector and make sure they are aware of your dispute with the original merchant and indicate that in the event of legal action specify what your counter claims will be.