Fixing non-existent debt collections?

[vip00]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? massachusetts

In my current situation, a cable company billed me for services a month after I cancelled service with them. I called them to resolve it, they informed me it was a glitch and everything would be fixed and everything was all set with my account.

3 months later, I start getting calls from a collections agency. They claim that they have had a debt placed with them by the cable company. I call the cable company, the apologize and tell me that they will fix everything. The next week, I get calls from collections again, I call the cable company and their records show that everything has been taken care of. And then the same thing next week.

It has been over a month at this point, so the debt has appeared on my credit record. The collections agency insists that they have a valid record of my debt, the cable company says that they have taken care of everything on their end. Do I have legal options to get out of this cycle?

Thank you!

 

[smorr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? massachusetts

In my current situation, a cable company billed me for services a month after I cancelled service with them. I called them to resolve it, they informed me it was a glitch and everything would be fixed and everything was all set with my account.

3 months later, I start getting calls from a collections agency. They claim that they have had a debt placed with them by the cable company. I call the cable company, the apologize and tell me that they will fix everything. The next week, I get calls from collections again, I call the cable company and their records show that everything has been taken care of. And then the same thing next week.

It has been over a month at this point, so the debt has appeared on my credit record. The collections agency insists that they have a valid record of my debt, the cable company says that they have taken care of everything on their end. Do I have legal options to get out of this cycle?

Thank you!

If you are able to visit one of the cable company's locations, I would do so. Tell them what's been happening and that you need, in writing, proof that you cancelled the service and the date the service was cancelled (NOT the date they give you the proof). Get an address from the collection agency that keeps calling you and tell them you are sending proof of cancellation. If you can get a person's name, that's even better - even if it's a pseudo name (like Mr. Smith). Don't accept any requests by the collection agency to fax anything, or email anything. Write a letter - reference ALL the information, the account number you cancelled, name of the cable company, and the collection agency's reference number. Send it Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested (even if you have to spend $6 for postage). It will save you in the long run (paper trail/proof of delivery). Send COPIES of the proof of cancellation - keep the original for yourself and make copies of your signed letter for yourself too. Also, in that letter, tell the collection agency that they must report the proof of cancellation to the credit reporting agencies (yes, they need to do this by law). I would also, as insurance, call the credit reporting agency where this debt is listed and ask them who you should send the proof of cancellation to. Once they receive that information, they have 30 days to remove it from your record (and, by law, if they determine it's valid, they must remove the info). They'll notify you of what their decision is. This is insurance for you, in case the credit collection guys don't report the cancellation (and often times, they don't). Is it a lot of work and aggravation? Yes, but it'll hopefully stop the calls and clear your credit record. If the calls continue, refer them to the letter you wrote and the person you sent it to.

The only issue I can imagine from all this is that the agency refuses to give you an address (yeah, they'll do that too sometimes). If they do, then file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office and send them the proof. They'll look into it for you and let you know what happens. If the collection agency calls in-between, tell them you filed the complaint and they will be hearing from the Attorney General.

After being in the legal field since 1988, I've found that phone calls are nothing more than blowing bubbles in the wind. It's what's on paper that counts!

Good luck!

 

[latigo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? massachusetts

In my current situation, a cable company billed me for services a month after I cancelled service with them. I called them to resolve it, they informed me it was a glitch and everything would be fixed and everything was all set with my account.

3 months later, I start getting calls from a collections agency. They claim that they have had a debt placed with them by the cable company. I call the cable company, the apologize and tell me that they will fix everything. The next week, I get calls from collections again, I call the cable company and their records show that everything has been taken care of. And then the same thing next week.

It has been over a month at this point, so the debt has appeared on my credit record. The collections agency insists that they have a valid record of my debt, the cable company says that they have taken care of everything on their end. Do I have legal options to get out of this cycle?

Thank you!

Go here where on line you can file a consumer complaint with the Massachusetts AG's office (CARD):

www.mass.gov › Home › Bureaus › Public Protection & Advocacy