Can collection agency take out money from my bank account without my permission?

[hanan]

I owed 800 dollars for a dell account and a collection agency called me and offered settlement for 400 dollars. I accepted and gave them my bank account number and routing number and authorized them to charge 400 from my account to settle the debt. I was supposed to receive a letter suggesting that the account was settled. It's been one month still nothing. I know it was REALLY stupid of me but I was being a naive consumer. I just wanted to do the right thing and get rid of my debt. I called that guy to took the payment from me and he keeps on avoiding me. Can they take out more money from my bank account without my authorization??? I am freaking out. Please help.

[hillocke]

- I would advise you to cancel your checking account. Give a debt collector you checking account/bank routing #'s is like giving the keys to your front door to a burglar. If you don't they can take any amount at any time from your checking account
- Don't be surprised if they come back in a few weeks demanding more money and denying that any settlement agreement was every made over the phone. Without a written settlement agreement there's no proof that the account was ever settled. Just keep your fingers crossed that these are "honest" debt collectors.

[weiford]

Never give collections your bank account number and routing number. They could wipe out your whole account. The guy you gave the information can take all your money out because you gave them too much information. Not very smart. Why didn't you just send them a check for $400?

[zackary42]

I think collection agencys lie, I would not have done that and would have sent it to them. who knows what they will take out, maybe you can change your account # quick.

[hwistlere31]

I think collection agencys lie, I would not have done that and would have sent it to them. who knows what they will take out, maybe you can change your account # quick.

They cannot take money out of your account without your consent. If they you should sue them and get paid my friend

[nann]

You better hope they don't try to take the other $400. You opened up a flood gate for them if they want to be unscrupulous.

If you wanted them to take this item off your credit report (which they most likely wouldn't do anyways), you should have had them send you their offer in writing. Then, and only then would I have sent them a cashiers check or money order. Never give a collection agency your bank info or credit card info.