TL;DR => go to the top. First, I had worked for one of California State's departments as a contractor, but hadn't been paid in two months. I called my State S

TL;DR => go to the top. First, I had worked for one of California State's departments as a contractor, but hadn't been paid in two months. I called my State Senator, said I had working for the California in his district without pay for two months, and that I needed his help. I got paid the next day. Second, I had been wrongly charged over $10,000 USD at a city hospital, and hadn't been able to fix the situation. I contacted the Mayor, explained that I was being charged for a service I didn't receive, and asked for his help. The bill went away. Last, American Express sent me to collections (related to the hospital bill above), and the collections agency was trying to con me into paying more than I owed. I called the office of American Express' Chairman of the Board, and asked if they could help me deal with the collection agency's shenanigans. They pulled my account of out collections, and started dealing with me directly. Recommeneation => track down Jack Dorsey or someone on their board, and explain the situation. It just might work!