Unreturned library books?

I received a letter regarding unreturned library books from a collection agency. The balance is for hundreds! What should I do?

No need to panic. The easiest way to handle the issue is to return the books to the library and pay the late fees and collection costs from the balance using the wire transfer form included in the letter. This takes care of the matter.

If you are unable to return the books for some reason, the collected balance is a reimbursement for lost materials and you are liable for paying it. If you can't pay the entire balance off right away, you can agree on a payment plan.

If you have received a letter from Lindorff, please contact our customer service department.

Read more about it in the section titled Payment plan.

Can late fees be collected even though I have already returned the books?

Yes. If you have returned the books late and you have not paid the late fees. Merely returning the books will not offset the accrued late fees and costs incurred from the collection activities.

Can a collection agency continue to collect on costs, even though I have already returned the books and paid the late fees?

The collection costs are still always to be paid, even if you have returned the books and paid your other fees to the library.

Can unreturned library books negatively affect my credit report?

Unreturned books may result in a payment default entry in your credit report if the collection for the materials and/or payment proceeds all the way to the court collection phase. At this point, you have usually received a minimum of three request letters to return the books. Learn more about the collection phases in the Did you receive mail section.

Note that at every phase of the collection process you are entitled to return the books to the library. The value of the materials will then be deducted from the balance being collected. This is the case even the collection has already advanced into enforcement.