notice of money due from former employer

[jrummy1]

Last week I recieved a notice in the mail from a former employer in the security/insurance field saying that I owed them a sum of money for charges for 1/2001. They said that they would forward the sum to a collection agency and put it on my credit history if I did not pay the money. THey stated that they have repeately tried to collect this money from me, but I was never informed of this charge in anyway shape or form till last week. When I left the company I had money in a supense account and they violated an agreement to provide me with an undrawed commision for six months( they only payed three). I also see nothing in this agreement in our contract for payment of accounts recievable after I terminate employment. Is this legal for them to make me pay this fee. Also is it legal for them to attempt to put a negative impact on my credit. Also is it possible for me to use the violation of our agreement as leverage against them to not pursue this any further.

 

[JETX]

Based on the very limited information provided in your post as to the source of this claim, etc., there is no way that ANYONE can tell you if it is "legal for them to make" you "pay this fee".

If the claim is valid, they can report it to the credit agencies. Also, they can decide to take you to court.

Suggestion.... if the fee is valid, pay it. If you feel that they did you 'wrong', take them to court over your dispute, but your attempting to 'self-help' yourself by offsetting their owed money with your claim that they owe you could backfire on you.

 

[jrummy1]

I see what you say about the credit agency, but they never even notified me of the account payable till just now, and the letter states that they have repeatedy tried to collect on the money. Which is a lie. I also had an account with commisions left in it and a pay stub to prove it. If I never received this money, why wouldnt it offset this fee? It makes me feel like they are in the position to say anything they want to a collection agency even if I legally owe money or not. A doctor I know said that since the money is 150 dollars that if I cause a fuss that they would drop the fee because it would cost them more to go to court than to just write it off on their taxes. His practice has to do this all of the time. Is this more than likely true?

 

[JETX]

My original reply still stands.

 

[jrummy1]

Thanks for the advice, I called them today. It turns out that they thought I owed them for Health Benefits for the two months following my leaving the position, and have no justification for the charge. I think that should clear up the issue.

Do you think I need to check my credit report to make sure they did not have a mix up and send it anyway?

 

[JETX]

Yes.