embarrassing question

[sleeplessinohio]

Hello all,

We're now sending debt validation and cease and desist letters to collection agencies. I thought I read somewhere that these needed to be sent certified and return receipt. When I went to the post office to send my first two letters this week, I couldn't believe the cost. It was more than $5 for each letter. I have a feeling I'm going to be sending ALOT of these letters. That cost will add up quite quickly.

Do these letters really need to be sent certified and return receipt? Is there a less expensive method?

Thanks for your input.

sleepless in ohio

[Flamingo]

Your question is not embarrassing at all and quite good! Sending it certified, return receipt requested, is the best way to ensure it was delivered and signed for; there are other ways (UPS ground with receipt, etc.) that will confirm receipt of the item and obtain a signature from the receiving person. It is the signed receipt you need that will prove the item was received. However, the other ways are probably comparable in price or more expensive. Look at www.usps.com. Postal fees have really gone up due to increased costs in fuel and other expenses.

[magyar123]

While they might be expensive, it's worth it. At least you will have proof that they received it. If you don't send it CMRRR they will claim/lie through their teeth that they never received it.

[GoingDown]

This is only from my personal experience in dealing with a LOT of junk debt buyers and collection agencies....

In most cases simply sending the junk debt buyer or collection agency a cease and desist communication letter and dispute the validity letter (really just two different paragraphs in the same letter) by regular first class mail works fine at getting them to stop calling me on the telephone.

If that is your goal-- to get them to stop calling you on the telephone-- it will work fine in most cases. For the few exceptional collection agencies or junk debt buyers who keep calling you after receiving a cease and desist letter by regular mail, you can then send them another one by certified mail and that will usually get them to stop calling.

But if your goal is to file a lawsuit against them, then you MUST send it by certified mail. Most people end up never suing a collection agency or junk debt buyer, so certified mail is just a huge waste of money if you have a lot of creditors.

If you are the victim of identity theft or you know the debt is not your debt or you know the debt is somehow really wrong, then sending it by certified mail is a good idea, too. But if you know it is your debt and you just want them to stop calling you, then save yourself some money and just send it by regular first class mail.

And if you are truly judgment proof-- little or no assets, no garnishable wages, and you don't use a checking account, etc.-- tell them you are judgment proof in your letter. I personally think it has helped me avoid a number of lawsuits because they know even if they get a judgment they still won't get paid.

[outofluck07]

I think it's unnecessary..

to send certified. I sent letters to all my creditors (about 12) via regular mail, and everyone has responded with a letter stating that they had received my letter, or just by not contacting me anymore. I wouldn't waste the money to send certified unless you get one that will not respond (or stop calling).

[sleeplessinohio]

Thanks to everyone who responded.

I think I may try sending the first letter by regular mail and if that doesn't work, I'll use certified.

[AngelinaCatHub]

Thanks to everyone who responded.

I think I may try sending the first letter by regular mail and if that doesn't work, I'll use certified.

Good for you. It is worth a try. "outofluck07" is correct. 'Hub

[epiphany]

I think someone posted a while back about how to send these certified online alot cheaper so you may want to poke around the board (search) and see what pops up.

Good luck,
ep

[ssdsco]

I started using regular mail($.42) for the last 10 or so DV/stop calling/I'm judgment proof letters. It's worked fine so far. I've sent 30-40 letters over the past year. I’ve only had 2 CA’s ignore my first request.

Prior to this and if I had to send a second request I'd use the $3.12 option BB2U posted in case I need proof for legal action.