I paid them but it's still on my report!

Ohio.

I had cancelled my contract with Bally's but I was young and naive and did not make copies of my correspondence with them. They say they never received. I could not back it up.

When I went to buy a house it showed up on my report. So, I called Bally's. They had sold my account to Perimeter. I talked with them several times. They offered me a settlement. I wanted it off my credit so, I sent it in. I kept a copy of the letter, the check, the FedEx bill and the FedEx receipt as well as proof the check cleared.

I am currently refinancing my house. Now there's an unpaid balance from both Bally's and Perimeter on my report (for less than the original amount and less than the settlement amount). What do I do to get them off my back once and for all!?!?

Thanks, in advance for your help, Amelia.

[Jeter]

I don't know that Bally's "cancelled" that contract in the first place. That's why you see so many people trying to sell their membership in the newspapers. The Bally's contract usually stipulates a 3 year payment plan. They normally won't cancel it because you can't pay. That's the whole reason for a contract in the first place, to bind you to a payment amount so their money is guaranteed one way or another. You signed the document, they want their money. Plan and simple.

You paid the settlement amount and satisfied the collectors. Bally's took a loss on your debt. A settlement is not a paid in full. Your credit report will reflect that you did not pay the debt in full. I believe that stays on your report for 5 years.


Jeter

Okay I see your point, even though they said I could cancel if I moved and there was not another Bally's (within 25 miles) where I moved which there wasn't. I cancelled. They play dumb. But that's besides the point.

My point is, so why do I still have a debt if I paid. why do they offer you a settlement if it's not considered paid. That's so silly. And the more important question. So now what do I do? Do I still have to pay Ballys and do I still have to pay Perimeter even though I paid the settlement?

[Jeter]

Nope. Bally's most likely shows an unpaid debt on your credit report because it was exactly that when they sold it to Perimeter. I'm not sure when that comes off.
I'm sure that Perimeter bought your debt from Bally's at less than what you settled for. Collection agencies will go for the settlement option because it's appealing to the debtor. However, your credit report should reflect that the debt has been settled (not paid in full) and you owe no more.
Since you don't owe any more money on this debt, send a letter to the credit reporting agencies challenging the debt from Perimeter on your credit report. It's up to them to prove that the debt is valid or it must be stricken from your report.

Jeter