Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in North Carolina

I have been turned over to collections by a company for a very small amount of money after they attempted to contact me via US mail at an invalid address. I am trying to get something in writing from them stating this, and they are refusing. I have filed a complaint with the BBB, but I don't want this to affect my credit in the meantime and would like to go ahead pay the amount. Would it be best to wait, pay the collection agency, or is there a third party I can pay until this is resolved?


Asked on 2/25/11, 8:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rachel Hunter

Do you owe the money or not? If you owe the money, then you need to pay but only upon a written agreement that: (1) the company messed up by contacting you at an invalid address; and (2) that any black marks will be deleted from your credit.

My query though is why was the address invalid? Did you move?

Filing a complaint with the BBB may not have been effective unless the company really cares about its BBB status.

I would pay the company directly - not the collector if the company will accept. If they will not, then if you pay the debt collector, nothing will be done about the wrong address and you will lose your leverage.

Have you tried dealing with someone in authority at the company?

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Answered on 3/09/11, 3:14 pm


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