Recently I got a letter from a collection agency stating I owe over $600 from a bill never paid to Verizon 4 years ago. I was shocked by the amount knowing I only used the cell for normal usage and didn't have access to the internet back then. I asked for some kind of bill that showed I actually owed that much. They said they would get back to me. They called back and said they requested a 'media report' from Pinnacle Credit Services and it would be mailed to me. I recieved the 'media report' which is a Verzion wireless bill from Jan 2005. Here are my concerns with it: One line shows a balance forward amout of $474.64 and another shows a termination charge of $175.00. It also has my plan cost on the bill which was $40.00 a month for 600 minutes. After seeing this I am still left with the question of how did they come up with me owing $474.64 on a monthly plan that was $40.00 and a termination fee of $175.00 doesn't make sense as I was on a 1 year contract which ended November or December of 2004, there should be no termination fee. I don't want to pay a bill I don't owe. I didn't use my phone that much so I'm boggled by the $474.64 in charges. Does this verizon bill fit 'validation' even though the majority of amout claimed due gives no clue what it's for, just that it'sa 'previous balanced pushed forward'? Finally, My last name is mispelled slightly on the Verizon bill, I google that name and a person with it does exist. Could Verizon have screwed up accounts somehow, do I have a legal challege in this respect? They offered to settle the account for $200.00 but don't I have a right to know where the charges came from and the $175 termination fee is ridiculous as I would have been out of contract when they assigned it. Thanks for any advice in advance.
The fact that the final Verizon bill has another last name similar to mine but a different last name (that does exist) makes me wonder if Verizon somehow screwed up and crossed over accounts and charges associated with the accounts.
That could definitely happen. I worked for Verizon Wireless for a period and their billing system could be generously described as "reprehensible". They had no less than 5 billing systems that did not talk to each other. A Verizon Wireless customer from Connecticut could walk into an Ohio Verizon Wireless store, give his mobile number, and the employee would either get a completely different account or nothing at all. This was due to consolidation in 2000 that had not yet been completed several years later. Not sure if it's still that way or not, but do not trust their billing system. As Apex pointed out, yes, this meets validation requirements. jjgross, could you cite the federal law that shows wireless debts have a 2 year SOL? I always thought they were more like a revolving line of credit, since carriers are basically extending you infinite credit (your bill could be $40 or $400 in a month), and most allow you to purchase equipment on your bill.
Verizon is famous for that,however the time for them to collect or sue has passed,Dispute the account.
Try this link: http://consumers.creditnet.com/Discussions/credit-talk/t-need-some-jdb-advice-69534.html#post484524 However, even though they can't sue (an win), that doesn't mean they can't put a collection account on your credit report that will last the full 7 years.
It's court case with the ca in the first post.The carriers are under the fcc which has different laws than a regular account.
