Attention consumer advocacy lawyers--Can a debt collectory refuse to sign for certified mail?

Question

I am preparing a cease communications letter to send to a debt collector. I know that I have to send it certified mail, but once I send it can they refuse to sign for it? If so, what recourse is there to get them to stop communicating with me? This is the only means that I am aware of to have the debt turned over to the original creditor.

Also, which address should I send it to, corporate headquarters or the address where the calls have been coming from?

Answer 1

I am not an attorney, but I think I do know enough to answer your questions.

1. Anyone can refuse to sign for a certified letter, including a collection agency. However, if they refuse to sign for it and you have properly addressed it and all that, then what you have done is created a record of your attempts to enforce your rights against them, and they are going to have a tough time explaining why they did not accept the certified letter if they ever bother to sue you over the debt.

2. Your might try to keep sending them the same letter a few more times and see if they accept it. You might also try just sending the letter via first class mail. Keep a file with all of your information on them.

3. I would send the certified letter to the address listed on your credit reports, which is usually going to be corporate headquarters.