I guess it says that I have an account in collections. I called the collection agency and asked them and they told me it was a PG&E bill from 12/01. I recall paying it all off before I left. I don't have any record of it since I save everything for only 5 years. When I look at my credit report I don't have bad credit. Should I still pay it off? I heard if I do it will make my credit worse, is that true?
2007-06-08 08:37:26 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Before you think about paying, send them a debt validation letter. Make them prove that it is your debt, that it hasn't already been paid, that they are licensed and/or bonded in your state if your state requires it, show that it hasn't passed the legal collecting SOL and that they have the legal right to collect.
Do everything in writing and never speak to them on the phone.
Never sign letters that go to collectors, print your initials or type your name
Send everything certified mail return receipt.
When you get the signed green card back, file disputes with the CRA's for the trade line.
Since this is from a utility account, utilities generally fall under the UCC with a 4 year collecting SOL.
After you receive an attempt at validation or 35 days have passed from the date they signed the green card, send them a SOL letter.
You might click on my profile and go to the last link I have listed. You will be able to find free examples of validation, SOL, etc. letter templates.
2007-06-08 09:05:55 · answer #1 · answered by echo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a written statement from the collection company if you pay a agreed amount, they WILL take it off your report within 30 days. That is your only option since you no longer have proof of paying it, and by law they are not required to take it off UNLESS you have a written statement from them for them agreeing to do so.
And what you heard is wrong, paying a open account will NOT worsen your credit. It will make it even better because it will show you have no collections, open accounts etc.
2007-06-08 08:44:30 · answer #2 · answered by wisconsindeathtrip03 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
call pg&e and let them know you paid them. I mean they would send you a bill before sending it to collections? Ask your bank if they have the old check copies. That might help you clear this up. dispute it if not.
2007-06-08 09:28:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is only 1 thing, you believe you paid it and in 18 months it is off for good.Dispute it then let it lie.
2007-06-08 08:41:52 · answer #4 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋