Are debt collectors /creditors allowed to put negative collection items on your file without contacting you first???????? I recently was contacted by phone by a debt collector that I owed a previous landlord 1100.00 for damages when I moved out which was news to me ... (and YES RATHER EXORBITANT I THINK for a 565/month apartment) ... Since I usually pay bills on time and have been fortunate not to have had problems in the past I am not sure I have handled this matter correctly. Since I had no clue what exactly these said damages were etc etc ... I stated on the phone they should send me a bill showing these charges. I then received an letter from them simply saying I owed this amount and to send a letter within 30 days if I disagreed which I did. At that time, I decided it would be wise to pull my credit reports and behold I found they had already damaged my credit report with this collection. Since the damage is already done, I am tempted to not pay. I already have the credit I need for now. However, it seems to me since I have disputed this that they should not be allowed to put this on my credit report? Does anyone know what the laws are regarding this??? I also have tried to locate an attorney to help me, but apparently I am small potatoes and not worth the effort for the profit they would make. Anyone got any ideas on how to find an attorney who is hungry enough to help me??????
