Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Washington

Re: challenge a debt collector

Well, we like to think it is a little more complicated than that.

The problem here (as I see it) is that you have a contract with Direct TV, and you don't say whether your service was interrupted or if DirectTV breached the contract in some manner.

Asking to speak to a supervisor is not nearly as effective as writing them a letter and spelling out what the problem is. Creating a paper trail is the time tested way to get anybody to respond. (It isn't infallible, but it helps a lot).

If you write them and tell them what they have done wrong, they can fix it or tell you to live with it or whatever it is they are going to tell you.

You can't bring a small claims case for your failure to pay a bill. Small claims can only award the Plaintiff money. Corporations aren't allowed in small claims, they have to proceed more formally.

Collections is a cheaper way for them to recover their unpaid obligations. It is outsourcing for debt.

Take a look at budhibbs.com for some entertaining and useful information on collections.

But frankly, if you owe them money, get the bill paid, and if you don't owe them money tell them why.

Elizabeth Powell