I have a Discover account currently in charge off status since 2017.
$6400
Upon contacting Discover today in an attempt to settle the account, I was advised that the account is placed with an attorney.
**I have received no correspondence from anyone except Discover on the matter.
Upon contacting the Attorney that is currently working as a debt collector for Discover directly, they stated that they cannot pursue or speak to me about the debt as there is a Cease and Desist Order. I have no idea who filed it! I have not heard of these people and have had 0 correspondence.
No lawsuits, no judgements...nothing.
They advised me that if I wish to allow them to pursue the debt or work with me on payment arrangements, I would need to provide written or verbal release from the C&D. I contacted Discover, spoke to 10 different people on 6 different phone calls. I finally made it to the department who deals with the Attorney.
I explained the situation to them and asked if they would pull the case back to discover so I could settle with them. They said no. I explained the situation with the cease and desist on file and what they told me about not being able to pursue the debt. He attempted to talk me into waiving the C&D. I explained what the Attorneys office had stated and advised that I didn’t want to waive whatever protections are being afforded by the C&D.
I gave Discover a $3500 offer amount and they contacted the Attorney for me. They stated the Attorney would accept the $3500 to settle. Discover conferenced me in with them and the story changed. First to; “I will need to get approval from my manager” then to “We will need to get some bank, employment and financial info to accept the offer”. The Discover employee became pretty upset, challenging why the story had changed and asking if I would need to provide formal documentation of which the Attorney’s office said no.
Discover then advised me to provide financials that were low. I told him this was exactly why I didn’t want to remove the mysterious C&D on file. He acknowledged how crazy it was and offered to deal with them on my behalf.
Essentially taking the financials I provide, submitting the offer, obtaining the agreement in writing etc.
I’m open to thoughts on how to proceed.