"Gentle Nudge" timeline
*USPS Address Verification (NCOA Processing) prior to mailing.
**Additional intensive skip tracing of bad addresses and phone numbers is initiated at day 120.
***Letter 3 (remaining balance letter) for patrons that reduce their balance, but do not clear their account. This letter can be sent out at any time throughout the process.
Letter 1 Text
This is an attempt to collect a debt by a debt collector and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Your account has been referred to Unique National Collections by [Library Name]. Return of past-due materials will ensure that your account is cleared with Unique National Collections and the Library.
The Library has requested that we provide you a courtesy notice. It is our hope that you will respond so this matter can be resolved. The [Library name] would like to have you, again, as a patron in good standing.
To clear your account and prevent additional collection activity from our office, please return past due materials, if you still have them, to the lending library. If you have misplaced or damaged the materials, please send your check in the amount of [$.$$] to: [Library Mailing Address]
If you have any questions or are unable to pay the entire amount, please call your local branch or [Library Phone] during regular business hours.
Collection Manager
Unless you notify this office within 30 days after receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this office will assume this debt is valid. If you notify this office in writing within 30 days of receiving this notice, this office will obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgement and mail you a copy of such a judgement or verification. If you request of this office in writing within 30 days after receiving this notice, this office will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
Letter 2
This is an attempt to collect a debt by a debt collector and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
To date, the Library has not yet notified us that you have cleared your account. Fines must be paid even if materials are returned. Please note that your library privileges may be impacted if your balance is not cleared. In order to prevent additional collection activity from our office, please send your payment directly to the [Library Name].
We feel sure you will agree that response is the best solution. If you have past due materials, they can be returned to the lending library. If you have misplaced or damaged the materials, please send your check in the amount of [$.$$]. On your check, reference account no. [xxxxxx]. Cash payment cannot be accepted by mail.
If you have any questions or are unable to pay the entire amount, please call your local branch or [Library Phone] during regular business hours.
Collection Manager
Unless you notify this office within 30 days after receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this office will assume this debt is valid. If you notify this office in writing within 30 days of receiving this notice, this office will obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgement and mail you a copy of such a judgement or verification. If you request of this office in writing within 30 days after receiving this notice, this office will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
Letter 3
The [Library Name] has notified us that you have responded recently to reduce your past due balance. The Library has asked us to contact you again because there is still a $[X.XX] past due balance.
The $[X.XX] owed is still an open collection account that must be resolved to clear your record. If you are unable to pay the entire amount, please contact any location of the [Library Name]. They will be happy to work with you to resolve this debt over time,
If the [Library Name] does not hear from you, they will have no choice but to assume you do not plan to resolve the outstanding debt. I urge you to send your check or money order in the amount of $[X.XX] to: [Library Address]. On your check please reference account no. xxxxxx.
If you have any questions or are unable to pay the entire amount, please call your local branch or [Library Phone] during regular business
hours.
Collection Manager
Unless you notify this office within 30 days after receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this office will assume this debt is valid, If you notify this office in writing within 30 days from receiving this notice, this office will obtain
verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgment and mail you a copy of such judgment or verification. If you request of this office in writing within 30 days after receiving this notice, this office will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
Letter 4
Despite previous reminders, your [Library Name] account still remains unpaid, We feel sure you will agree that response is the best solution so this matter can be resolved and you can have the benefit of checking out materials again per the policy of the [Library Name].
To clear your account and prevent any additional collection activity from our office, please return past past due materials to the lending library, If you have misplaced or damaged the materials, please mail your check for $[X.XX] to: [Library Address]. On your check, reference account no. xxxxxx.
If you have any questions or are unable to pay the entire amount, please call your local branch or [Library Phone] during regular business hours.
Collection Manager
Unless you notify this office within 30 days after receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this office will assume this debt is valid. If you notify this office in writing within 30 days from receiving this notice, this office will obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgment and mail you a copy of such judgment or verification. If you request of this office in writing within 30 days after receiving this notice, this office will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.