Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia
Credit dispute
I paid a cell phone company hundreds of dollars to meet a contractual obligation. I had no service but continued to pay in spite of trying to close the account for months. The cell phone company refused to close my account after repeated attempts on my part. They dispute my records of having called. In disgust, I refused to pay what turned out to be the final bill of $49.00. I refused because I was sick of the ''negative credit report'' blackmail/strong arm tactics. I answered their collection agency that I would not pay. Now I have a letter from a lawyer saying I need to pay, but there is no reference to my previous correspondence. Am I doomed to pay these bogus charges? I see this as another consumer gouging whereby a company refuses to acknowledge a consumer's request to stop service. Can I fight ''city hall?''
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Credit dispute
It sounds like you did everything possible wroing. Next time when you have a legal problem, see a lawyer before acting. It will save you money and grief.
In making payments on a disputed account, you are admitting the debt. That was a huge mistake.
Additionally, you never dispute a debt by calls. That must be done in writing.
A letter from a lawyer probably would have solved all this for you at the beginning.
If all that is left is $49, it is extremely foolish to fight over that, as one negative report on your credit can cost you thousands of dollars over time. At this point, if you have a letter saying they will accept that as payment in full, you may, after seeing a lawyer, find that as a good course of action.
A lawyer will cost you more than $49, so bear that in mind.
Re: Credit dispute
I agree with the previous comments. If all they want is $49.00 that is much less than the interest, attorney's fees, and court costs you might have to pay in a civil suit. As far as the stuff that happened before that, well you might check out the fair debt collection practice act, but it may not be relevant in your specific case.
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.
