Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas
Collection Agencies
In most cases, a debt under contract with a collection agency who does not own the account can be settled with the owner of that account without dealing with the collection agency. What is the current stand on this with regard to government offices. For example, if the US Dept of Education owns an account for which you want to make payment arrangements, can they force you to deal with a collection agency who does not own the account?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Collection Agencies
You can sometimes go around the agency to the principal, but not always. Then, too, it's not uncommon for agencies to purchase bad debt and then collect on what they now actually own.
In answer to your specific question, yes, they can force you to deal with their agent. Or they can simply sue you for the principal, interest, court costs, attorney fees, and post-judgment interest. Your choice.