A debt-settlement letter offers to settle a debt for a lesser amount than what is owed. The following sample debt-settlement letter presents an offer from a collection agency.

LAST RESORT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
3916 South Dixsmyth
Camden, ID XXXXX

May 16, 2005

ID # 76418554-20
Clarkston, GA 30021

Re: Capital One Bank

Original Creditor: Capital One Bank

Account Name [##########]
Total Current Balance: [$21,698.39]
Account #: [xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-1234]

[Debtor],

As we discussed last Tuesday, Last Resort Financial Services, Inc., hereby accepts your offer to pay $10,751.69 as a full settlement for the above-referenced account.

This offer will expire on 05/30/05. Thus, if Last Resort receives the settlement amount on or before 05/30/05, and if the funds clear, then we will consider the amount to be fully settled, and we will cease all further collection efforts.

No language contained within this letter changes or in any way restricts any of your legal rights, including the rights that were mentioned in the first letter we sent to you about this account.

THIS AGENCY IS ENGAGED IN THE COLLECTION OF DEBTS. THIS COMMUNICATION IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Sincerely,

Bill Collection