sent to collection in 2001, just found out

[rmcnellis]

What is the name of your state?Montana
I just ordered a copy of my credit report and I see that I have a collection agency after me for $53 from a local hospital. I called the agency and they told me the hospital and themselves had sent me many letters to a PO BOX. I have never had a PO BOX, nor have I ever given a PO BOX as a mailing address. This PO BOX is not listed as a previous address on my credit report. I never even knew I owed the hospital this money or I would have paid. I will gladly pay now, however, this collection is on my otherwise spotless credit. Is there anything I can do? Thanks.

 

[cmorris]

Stay off the phone!!!

Send a letter, certified mail return receipt requested, asking for proper validation. Include to only contact you by mail (include your current address). Note that a computer printout is NOT proper validation.

After the CA receives this, they cannot continue collection activity or report to credit bureaus as verified. They must mark this as "in dispute." Otherwise, it is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Refer to the FDCPA as needed (available at the FTC website).

If and when validation comes back, offer a pay-for-delete. I doubt it will. If they had a PO Box for you and you've never had one, it is likely not yours. Then they can't validate. Do not ruin a good credit report over something that isn't yours, for such a small amount.

Good luck!

 

[rmcnellis]

Thank you for your help. I am sending the validation request CM ASAP. I am sure, howver, that this is my bill. You did not say if they can validate the debt, besides offering to pay - for - delete, am I at their mercy to get this thing off my CR? This CA did not buy the debt, they are only collecting it. Thanks again.

 

[cmorris]

Thank you for your help. I am sending the validation request CM ASAP. I am sure, howver, that this is my bill. You did not say if they can validate the debt, besides offering to pay - for - delete, am I at their mercy to get this thing off my CR? This CA did not buy the debt, they are only collecting it. Thanks again.

You have three options:
1) Pay for delete
2) Dispute with the credit reporting agencies. The CA may or may not verify
3) Wait for the seven years to pass