I had a $129 final cable bill that went to collections about 3 1/2 years ago and was immediately paid in full. Last spring there was a negative entry from this same cable company under a different collection agency in the amount of $39. I called the collection company who said "You owe it" and the company who had bought the cable company who wouldn't talk to me. I sent a letter to the collection agency along with my canceled check and their response was the the account number I had paid on didn't match the account number they had listed. Well neither their account number or the account number from the previous agency matched my actual account number. I've asked them to prove this debt and all the send me is a letter saying it's "verified" but no statements. I challenged it on my credit report and they say it's verified with the agency. Should I just pay it or can I make them prove this debt? It's the only remaining negative after some hard learned credit lessons. Advice?
2007-03-10 15:32:06 · 3 answers · asked by kweenie97 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
What must the company do to validate the debt? I thought I asked for this to be done but all they sent was a letter saying it was validated which to me proves nothing. I want a final statement from the account, dates of supposed service, something more than just their word.
2007-03-10 15:51:21 · update #1
According to the FDCPA guidelines all 3rd party collection agencies must validate a debt when requested by the "debtor" in writing at any point during the collection process. You can also remit to all credit bureaus proof of payment and have them "force" the reporting company to update their records.
2007-03-10 15:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by Jewlz 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would file a complaint with the Attorney General/Consumer Division in the state that you live in. They will contact the collection agency about your complaint. This will get the collection agencies attention and they have to respond to the Attorney Generals inquiry. Ive done it and it always brings a quick response and the outcome has always been to my advantage. In Oregon you can file your complaint online.
2007-03-11 04:33:47 · answer #2 · answered by Pinky Lee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may have to write it off or call a law school a sk lawyers can help.
2007-03-10 23:40:29 · answer #3 · answered by Grand pa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋