Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
Collection agency on my credit report!
About 8 months ago I was contacted by a collection agency saying I owed them about $500 from an old Sprint Bill.
I called them up to find out more details. All they would tell me on the phone was that the account was overdue from about 6 years ago, was from a phone card and it was Sprint.
I had never not paid a bill,especially when I was in college! They sent me the last two billing statements, which were no help as all they showed was late charges from like 4 years ago. They said there are no other records, I called Sprint and got no where from them. Yes I had a sprint phone card in college, everyone signed up for them, it was rarely used, I would have certainly noticed a bill!
I wrote them a certified letter stating all of this, and how I would not be paying it. Later I get another letter, they are offering a deal, and the cut the amount in half. I don't think so! Today I checked my credit report, which shows them on it of course and it giving me a poor rating. I am 24 and have plans to buy a house in 3 years, please advise on what I need to do next! The amount $500 is nothing and I could pay, but I am not paying for something I didn't create!
Thank you for any help on where to go next!
-Marie
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Collection agency on my credit report!
I concur with Mr. Bavar. Also SOL on written contract is 4 years so they can't sue you unless you reaffirm the debt.
Re: Collection agency on my credit report!
Look at a few things. . . first when was the negative report filed with the credit reporting agency. . . next, you should ask them for proof of the debt, they cannot just tell you that you owe them something and then beat up your credit. . .
You can fight this by writing letters, or you can seek out an attorney to help you deal with them, either way I think if you fight hard enough you will be able to beat them.
Finally, if the report is in fact false, you will be able to file a defamation claim against the collection agency. . .
Good Luck.
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