I was contacted about a bill that the company said I never paid. However the bill was paid by check. They want

Question

They want proof of payment. I would have to order the canceled check, which would cost me money or I would have to send a copy of my bank statement which Idefinitely would not be comfortable doing. Besides, it only gives the number of the check, not who it was sent to. I would like to know what are my obligations to that company and what can I tell them when they call me. Thank You

Answer 1

I've actually had experience from both ends of this.

It's very possible that the company did get your check, but may have applied it to the wrong account. Trying to do a papertrail without the check can be difficult, but all they really need is the check number and date it was cashed. This is already on your statement.

When this happened to me personally (several times!!!) here is what I do.

Send a copy of the bank statement. Yeah, I know it sounds risky. But if you black out everything that you don't want them to know about, then xerox it, they won't be able to use any of the info. But if you are still worried, don't send it. But trust me, they will want to see SOMETHING!

With the statement, I send them a letter saying this is the only proof I currently have. I can get a copy of the check from the bank, but it will cost me $15. (Yes, that is what my bank charges me!).

I then tell the company that if they still insist on a copy of the check, they will have to pay for it themselves.

If they still refuse...and you are CERTAIN that they did get the check and cash it....then tell the company to sue you. When you go to court you will have to produce the copy of the check ($15), but they are not out the court costs and any legal fees (easily over $100). If they attempt to post to your credit report, sue them for $1000!

That's an awful lot of trouble just to save $15, isn't it? This plan has worked for me every time.

Answer 2

It is in your best interest to send them a copy of the check (front and back) The employee that recieved the check may have keyed in the wrong account number and misapplied the funds. Since this cost you money to do, send the check copy to a supervisor (ask and get the name of one to send it to) include a letter and a copy of your reciept telling them that it was not your fault the funds were misapplied, and you want reinbursed for the money you are out for the check copy. Also, let them know that you want the money posted from the date they first recieved it. It will make a difference on your credit report and interest paid.

Answer 3

"when they call me" sounds suspicious. Most companies seeking payment on past bills will send you a written statement.

You need to call your bank and have them review who cashed the check. There should be deposit stamps on the back of the check. Will they send you a statement verifying the cashed check.
Also if this bank has online banking, defiitely sign up. My bank allows viewing/printing online of cancelled checks.
Second do you use checks with a carbon, which makes a copy in your checkbook? If not, you might want to consider it.

I recommend you do online banking. No worries about mail problems, "did they get my check",etc.." It's easier and safe...

Answer 4

Legally, having written a cheque does not mean payment has been made. Only when the money has been transferred from your bank to their account, has the payment been made.

And until you have a receipt or confirmation from the company in question, showing that said payment has been made stays your responsibility.

Now, as to the hows:
You best option is to ask the manager of your bank branch to issue a certificate stating that the amount in the said cheque (you know the cheque no., I assume) made out to said party has been transferred to their bank. I believe that all banks will do this free of cost, althought I am not sure whether that is a statutory/legal requirement.
This certificate would be legally binding on your bank.

Answer 5

Due to the high amount of identiy scams out in the world, be VERY careful what you provide anyone with. If this is a legit company that you often do business with (power company, credit card, etc.) and they can provide you with documentation saying payment hasn't been received, then I would provide a copy of the cancelled check. Do not fax it to them. You don't know who all has access to the fax area. Send it out certified mail with delivery confirmation. That way, someone has to sign for it and you know it got there.

Normally, if you miss a payment, the next invoice will show a past due amount. If they just called out of the blue, that sounds a bit fishy to me.

DO NOT send out a copy of your bank statement.

Answer 6

You should probably go ahead and order the cancelled check - or if your bank has imaging statements, send a copy of the image of that check.

At this point, it's looking like they're going to turn you over to collections, which will affect your credit report, and will also require proof of payment - so, to go ahead and end the situation, order the cancelled check, and send it.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Order a copy of the check. You will need a copy of the front and the back of the check so that they may trace the cancellation. Before you send it to them, black out the account number on the bottom. Send them a copy of the charge for the billing and request reimbursement.

Answer 8

Check with your bank to see if it was cahsed. If so ask them if they can tell you who it was paid to. When the company calls again give them the check number, the amount and the date when it was issued. If it's a reputable company they should be able to initiate an internal investigation to find out where the money went to. Also you may be able to print out a receipt from the ATM machine showing that information as well

Answer 9

Just get the copy of the check from the bank. If its a decent bank they will do it for free (if its not too old of a check) or for a very minimal fee. Pay it and get it over with. Its not worth the frustration.

Answer 10

Order the cancelled check. That's your only option. It'll cost you a few dollars but it's better than the mess they can make out of your credit record if this goes (to their records) "unpaid" for months.