Foreign debt collection

[catoars]

So I moved back to Austin last year after spending a few years in Europe and recently received a letter from a collection agency there seeking money they say I owe.

Making a long story short, it does seem I owe some money and have no problem paying that but have two concerns.

1. they cannot show me exactly what the balance consists of (fees, interest, etc). They just say here is a lump sum pay it, and it seems to be about 2x what I think I really owe

2 This problem occurred due to the bank not handling the closure of my account correctly so I don't like the idea of paying all their fees and interest because they didn't close my account properly.

Anyone have any experience here with foreign debt collectors? Not sure what they can do if I don't pay the full amount they are asking (they say they'll sue me), but ideally what I'd like to do is pay half the balance and call it a day. Help?

thanks

 

[Bookman]

They probably have to comply with the fair debt collection act. Send a certified letter tomorrow asking them to verify the debt.

 

[catoars]

Ok, I should have mentioned that- after I received the letter I did send them a reply asking for a breakdown of the debt. they replied but it really doesn't break it down well but acccording to them is their "proof" of the debt.

Also, I am talking about $4k here that they say I owe. At what point should I get a lawyer involved or should I at all?

 

[Bookman]

Your best bet is to try to negotiate with them first. As for a lawsuit, I don't even know where they'd sue you. If this was a Houston bank, they'd probably have to sue you in Travis County.