Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
3 yr old telephone bill from previous residence in collections
Hello,
August 2007 I received a letter from a collection agency stating I owe monies from a telephone bill from September 2003.
I relocated out of state in February 2004. Prior to doing so, I contacted all my utlility companies to obtain payoff amounts and arrange for disconnect and closure of accounts....including this telephone company. I have my cancelled check from January 2004.
The collection agency has not provided me with a detailed bill. They just appeared for the first time in August 2007. They also reported me to a credit bureau at the same time of contacting me. This doesn't seem fair as I did not have a chance to respond/dispute prior to the collection agency reporting me. ($170)
When I called the telephone company in CA which has changed names since then, each Rep that pulled my old account number up showed I had a 0 balance but no other information. One Rep, however, did show that my account had been transfered to the collection agency in April 2006. However, they did not contact me until August 2007.
Is the collection agency required to provide me with a detailed bill for me to review any activity? So far, they say they have ''no media'' on this account.
What is my recourse ?
Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: 3 yr old telephone bill from previous residence in collections
You should be able to get verificatoin of the debt. Have you received any collection company demand letters to you. Please call us so we can review these letters or help you with any other questions that you might have.
Re: 3 yr old telephone bill from previous residence in collections
This is becoming more and more common. Debt scavangers are buying old debts in bulk, and some illegitimate accounts are thrown in the bulk purchase somehow. Many people would just pay it. You should not.
If they call again, ask for a validation letter. They have 30 days to provide a detailed statement of your account. Also tell them that you have your cancelled check, a copy of which you'd be happy to send. Also contact the three credit reporting companies and tell them that you dispute that debt.
If the collectors persist in their collection efforts and/or if they fail to clean up your credit report, feel free to call my office to file a lawsuit.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
