Called about the dunning letter: man was very professional. Transparently concerned with his own agenda while trying to seem friendly. First he gave his condolences -- fake but appreciated nonetheless. Then he told me how SMALL the amount was, two times, told me how he was used to dealing with huge amounts like 200,000 dollars. Talked a lot about where I am, what the weather is like today, how he'd like to visit, etc. Told me twice he would accept an amount from me that was very, very close to the amount they claim -- which was a credit card amount that was put on the credit card when my mother was dying in hospital, and which I can't help but think is inaccurate. I asked him what it was FOR, but he growled that he was not from the card company and that they'd handed the debt over and he would pursue the money to the end of time. He told me that customer service at the CC co. didn't know anything, and asked me if they'd said to fax the d.c. and it would be then end of it. I said, "Not really...well, not in so many words," (actually they said the balance was inaccurate and that etc., etc). Asked about volcanoes. Then he told me that, again he'd accept an amount that is VERY VERY CLOSE TO, etc. I said I would pay 50%, he said 50%+$28, and I said ok. I gave him an electronic check (whatever that means), and he says after it clears they will never bother me again.

Imagine working all day squeezing money out of people. He didn't sound like a bad person, and the operators were nice.

1. Offer condolences
2. make amount sound small
3. relax hysterical female with banal weather talk
4. say will accept amount very near to "owed" amount
5. clarify that self represents collection agency and will never give up
6. never accept first offer but up it as much as seems feasible
7. stress that the problem can be OVER, relief is just an electronic check away.