Barrett & Associates Just Keep Taking

<p>For the past many months I have been paying back my arrears debt on my FNB / Discovery Credit Card. On my account under balances I could see the amount still owing. It went off by Debit order each month. Last month I settled the amount owing according to the balance on my bank account. It showed Zero when I had paid this. I sent the proof of payment and screen shot of the zero balance to Barret & Associates and asked them to please give me a paid up letter. They then contacted me via SMS "Kindly note that you owe us LEGAL FEES on abovementioned matter. In order to settle your account, you have to pay the settlement of R200.00 , valid for 7 days. FAILURE TO PAY ON/BEFORE THE 7 DAY PERIOD WILL RENDER THE SETTLEMENT NULL AND VOID AND WILL YOU BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE FULL OUTSTANDING AMOUNT." I was speechless. I just settled the outstanding amount and I get a threatening email and a demand for yet more money that has to be paid within 7 days or else I will be liable for 'the full outstanding amount'. Firstly, WHAT outstanding amount? I settled it. Secondly, I settled in the middle of the month, and now I am told if I don't pay further legal fees within 7 days (which falls just before my payday), I am liable for yet MORE legal fees!!! How the F*&@ can this be right? Having sent me a statement, the amount of costs that they put onto the debt for 'phone calls', etc. is huge. I paid by debit order every month for years! I am so infuriated that I think the OMBUDSMAN needs to be involved in this.</p>