Notification of Case Escalation

[msc]

Hi All,

Great resource. Thanks to everyone involved.  Brief story:  Received "the letter" about a year ago about the banner photo that a web designer made for us for our website in 2004.  He's gone. They want $1225.  Based on the info on this site and the informal advice of an attorney friend I took the photo down and ignored the letter.

I got a second letter.  Ignored it.  

Today I received a "NOTIFICATION OF CASE ESCALATION".  I searched on the site for this notice but do not see it. They state that this is the "last opportunity to resolve the matter with Getty directly"...  Anyone aware of what this notice means?  

My inclination based on looking through the site and the forum is to send an e-mail acknowledging that I have already taken down the photos to avoid a conflict; state that I am not admitting any wrongdoing and offer them $150 as a fair settlement to resolve the issue.

Anything else I should be considering here?

[JPicker]

I would instead hire Oscar and give HIM the $150 to represent you (good for up to 2 letters) and then they won't bother you directly again. Just my $0.02.  (Personally I wouldn't give those Getty pr--ks a dime.)

[Oscar Michelen]

Thanks Jpicker. MSC you can call me at 516 741 3222 to discuss your case or email me at xxx

[msc]

Thanks for the info.  I have also contacted my state AG office and they have offerred to file a complaint on my behalf toe Getty.  Any thoughts on this?  And has anyone else received the "Notification of Case Escalation"?  Again, I don't see any other reference to it on-line.

I will likely give Oscar a call!

[Oscar Michelen]

This is  new form which I have to get to Matt to upload to the site.  Getty has been sending this as their 2nd or 3rd letter. What Getty is doing is not illegal nor does it violate Fair Debt Collection Practice that I can see but checking with the AG never hurts.

[msc]

Hi Oscar,

I left a message at your office the other week about setting up a consult to see what the next steps would be after receiving my "notice of case escalation" notice.  I haven't heard back..

Is there a time we can speak?  When I tried to pm you the script kept rejecting saying that it appeared to be an automated response so if you can pm me with a direct contact I would appreciate it
Thanks in advance.

Ken

[Oscar Michelen]

Hey Ken:  Been on trial and had to go to Philly for business this week as well so it has been crazed.  Email me at my firm email xxx  I am on trial through Monday but should be back in office on Tuesday call around 1130am NYC time at 516 741 3222