American Express Debt Settlement
Can I trust an unsigned, faxed settlement offer from a collection agent?
I have been negotiating a settlement with American Express and Nationwide Credit. They have sent me a fax in writing confirming the settlement amounts. I'm a little suspicious of agreeing since it is not signed and came to me by fax. Should I believe that the offer is accepted and that they will not be able to come after me for more after this?
By
Mark Cappel
- A signed fax is a legal document in all US jurisdictions.
- Consult with an attorney in your state who has experience in contracts if you do not understand a contract before you.
A signed fax is a legal document in all US jurisdictions, to my knowledge. (Readers, please chime in below if you know otherwise.)
If the creditor sends you an unsigned document it may not be considered a contract, but instead may be considered an offer or counter-offer. I do not have the document you are referring to in front of me, so it is impossible for me to observe whether you have an offer or acceptance from the creditor.
Consult with an attorney in your state who has experience in contracts or consumer law. He or she will be able to review the document and opine accordingly.
I hope this information helps you Find. Learn & Save.
Best,
Bill
www.bills.com/
I recommend that you tell this collector that you will not send them one dime until you receive their agreement in writing and, further, that you offer to fax over your settlement offer, if the collector provides a fax number.
This is important for two reasons: one: it’s the end of the month and that collector will want money towards his goal so will most likely comply, and two: if this ever is forwarded to an attorney it’s a great negotiating tool to show the judge, or the collecting attorney, that the consumer made a reasonable offer that the creditor refused to document.
Regardless, unless you're OK paying on the current balance, you should NOT send in money without first receiving a written agreement (oral “this line is recorded” stuff does not count). Hope this helps, and good luck!