I have a utility collection on an old ComEd account. It is causing a problem with regard to a job I have applied for. When I was contacted by Harvard Collections, I wrote them a letter demanding that they send proof that I owe the debt. They sent me an account activity statement from ComEd, but according to the statement my balance was charged off in December 2004, and the current bill/balance due is now $0. However, Harvard Collection is asking for the full amount. I assume that this means the debt has simply been sold to Harvard? What are my rights with regard to this? I entered into no contract with Harvard, therefore can I tell them to cease and desist and demand that they remove the negative reporting, and that I will deal only with the OC? Or would my best bet be to attempt to settle this for cents on the dollar and agreement to remove the item from my report?
Re: Re: Help on utility collection? Yes, was timely. This relates to utility service thru September of last year. However, I dispute some of the charges (after June). Would I dispute this with the collector or with the original creditor?
Re: Re: Help on utility collection? Sounds like you had a billing dispute with the OC when they charged it off and transferred to collections. This may be illegal Phoenix. Here - go study this carefully and see if it applies: Learn Your FCBA Take note that a disputed bill may NOT be sent to collections until the dispute is addressed properly.
