How to best settle debt claimed by DCA?

murmeltier

I've recently been contacted by a DCA about an alleged outstanding debt on a closed account with a mobile phone company.

Having gone through all the paperwork (bills, bank statements) it seems they have a point (even though I've never been contacted by the company itself before about any monies outstanding), and the final invoice of £58 has never been collected by the company.

The DCA is asking for £33.85 which makes no sense (should really be £58), but given that there seems to be money oustanding, I am prepared to pay the £33.85.

What is the best way to pay them, as I want to be able to prove that I have settled the debt and no further demands for this sum will arrive?

Should I post a cheque by recorded delivery? Phoning them up and handing over my credit card details doesn't seem very safe to me.

Many thanks,
Murmeltier.

RAS

murmeltier wrote: »

Phoning them up and handing over my credit card details doesn't seem very safe to me.

You are right about that. Please do nt do it.

Write to them now advising that you are prepared to pay £33.85 in full and final settlement of the account and that they must mark any default fully satisified. Only when they write back confirming that they agree to this do you send the cheque.

murmeltier

What is the significance of asking them to confirm to accept the £33.85 as full and final settlement? If they agree, will this stand should they come back later and ask for the other £25 or so?

Also, my wife thinks I should pay directly to the company and not the DCA as she fears the company may just send another DCA around to ask for the same amount again - any thoughts on this?