Card Processing Center ripoff Hicksville New York

Eighteen months ago, I owed this company about $800 on a card that probably wasn't used for about two years prior, yet paid every month. Since then, I've paid them approximately $600 and my balance is now $1700. I've called and written month after month saying I needed help as I was unemployed and my income was so low. I finally, in February, cut the payment down to half ($25)and have since decided that as of this month, I may as well just quit paying... period. I will never win with this kind of dealings.

Today, the collector asked me if I had contacted consumer credit counseling and I did... but with only two unemployment checks left, I could not possibly promise to pay something with which I knew I would have no income to pay with.

I have worked so hard to be responsible all my life and to pay my bills, but I will be 61 this summer and I am now at the end of my small unemployment and too young for social security. This has put me under so much stress and I simply can't do it anymore. Since 9/11, I've lost my home, my job, my old car and most of my regular life. At this point, what else do I have to lose and what can I do about it?

Sharon
Kent, Washington
U.S.A.