Unpaid Tuition Collection

[jwoobiekins]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

In 1995, I was enrolled in college on full financial aid/scholarship package. Three weeks into the quarter, I was advised that due to poor grades, my financial aid was being denied for that quarter and I was now responsible for tuition due. I immediately dropped out, but still owed about 40% of the balance due for a full quarter -- $812. In 1997, I was contacted by the attorney general's office, and made two $50 payments. In 2001, I was contacted by a collection attorney, who I spoke to once, maybe twice, who to the best of my recollection spent more time yelling at me about hiding from my responsibility than trying to collect the money. (Wasn't hiding -- was working, phone listed, etc). After that, no more contact. Bear in mind, I've had four car loans, two mortgages, and numerous credit cards since 1998 and this has NEVER shown up on a credit report.

A few weeks ago, I received a call from General Revenue Corp, who was attempting to collect this now $1500 debt with interest at 10% annually. I told her I had no idea what it was, she needed to double check her records, and I would check mine and I'd be in touch. When I finally realized what she was calling about, I ignored it -- I always said it would be a cold day before that university saw a dime, as I felt I should have been notified before the middle of the next quarter I was being dropped (grades weren't THAT bad!). They continue to call. I called the attorney general's automated line and was back referred to them. I offered to settle for $1k and they told me the AG's office would not allow them to settle. Spoke to a supervisor, who reiterated the same. I did advise them verbally at that time to stop calling. I did give them a current address and shortly thereafter, received a letter (only contact in writing) from them, basically with a remittance stub. They call every day, occassionally twice. I have sent them a certified letter telling them to stop contacting me by phone, and am waiting on the little green card back.

I pulled my credit reports yesterday, and this is still not showing up anywhere. I see where they pulled my Experian report back in November. Probably about the time the calls started -- typically if we don't know the number, we don't answer, and they don't always leave a message.

My questions are these...1. Should I send them a validation letter? I'm pretty sure they can validate as the university has a hold on my transcripts. 2. Is this considered a "student loan" type debt, with no SOL? Seems to me that it's not, and worse case, the clock is re-started at the payments I made in 1997. However, last night I got a sinking feeling that it'll still be out there 20 years from now and I'll owe $15k. 3. Any idea why it's not on my credit report and why they don't/can't put it out there now? 4. Is this something they could garnish for and why don't they just do that??? I had a friend bounce a check at a "check advance" place and they had a judgment and garnishment in weeks. Seems odd.

I really can't afford the full $1500 and thought I could negotiate something closer to the original due, but no luck. I can pay the $1500 on my mom's credit card, but am just kicking myself about the entire situation...I can't get passed the thought that they screwed me, so screw them!

Any thoughts/advice is greatly appreciated!
Jen