How do I fight this?

[bfoglia]

State = New Jersey

I have always had good credit but recently I received a bill from my old doctor's office collection agency for $95.00. The date on the bill was from 4 years ago. I called them and told them that this bill was from a long time ago and I really dont remember the services. I asked if they could please provide me with any type of proof that they preformed the services listed in the bill, anything with my signature on it would be fine. They told me they didnt have any like that and if I didnt pay the bill they were going to put me into collections. I know it would probably be much easier to just pay the bill then have them ruin my credit but I just feel it is not right. I dont owe the money and they are trying to make me pay it by threating my credit.

My 1st question is dont they need to provide me with some type of proof other then a bill from there office with no signature on it?
My 2nd question is how do I fight this? I dont mind going to court over this but what court do I call?
My 3rd question is how do I stop them from ruining my credit ?

[rhinocl]

When you were a new patient you probably signed an agreement. They wrote it, it was one-sided in their favor. They can collect.
If you want to fight it call or write to your former doctor. Tell him it is very unprofessional to wait until years later to bill you. Ask him to have the charge deleted from your account. (This actually worked for me)
If he won't cooperate you should pay up promptly. (unless it is already on your credit report-then ask for a pay for delete)
Your credit is too valuable to gamble over $95.oo
Like in the old movie-pay the two dollars.

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by bfoglia

State = New Jersey

I have always had good credit but recently I received a bill from my old doctor's office collection agency for $95.00. The date on the bill was from 4 years ago. I called them and told them that this bill was from a long time ago and I really dont remember the services. I asked if they could please provide me with any type of proof that they preformed the services listed in the bill, anything with my signature on it would be fine. They told me they didnt have any like that and if I didnt pay the bill they were going to put me into collections. I know it would probably be much easier to just pay the bill then have them ruin my credit but I just feel it is not right. I dont owe the money and they are trying to make me pay it by threating my credit.

My 1st question is dont they need to provide me with some type of proof other then a bill from there office with no signature on it?
My 2nd question is how do I fight this? I dont mind going to court over this but what court do I call?
My 3rd question is how do I stop them from ruining my credit ?

Please don't ruin your credit for the sake of principle. Seriously.

If it goes to court there's a good chance you're going to end up paying not only the bill but their court costs too.