Can I insist that they send me a bill?

Question

I moved in December of 2005, then had some trouble with the place I moved to, moved again less than a month later, and finally bought a house and moved again in March of 2007. I've lived in my new house over a year now, and thought everything was fine. However, apparently the post office got confused as to where to forward my mail, and now there are 2 store credit cards that apparently didn't have my correct address, and have sent me to collections.

I have never received a bill for any of this. One I found out about when they started calling on the phone (how they got my new phone number, who knows?). The other one (the one I'm dealing with right now) I found out about when I went to use the card earlier this month. I asked them what address they had on file and gave them my correct address when I found out they still had my first address (before I moved in 2005). They charged my purchases, and I thought everything was fine. Then, instead of a bill for my current purchase, I got a collection notice. The collection notice was for the current purchase, a past due purchase that I have no memory of making, and interest and fees on the past due purchase.

I called the number on the collection notice to find out what was going on, and they refuse to send me a copy of my bill. They told me how much the original bill was, but they will not send me a copy of it. They also told me that, despite the fact that the collection letter says right at the bottom to send payment to: [an address in Texas], they do not accept payment via mail, and if I attempt to send them a check it will not be accepted. They said they only accept check by phone.

I am NOT paying check by phone. Moreover, I would REALLY prefer not to pay without a bill. Is there any way I can make them send me a bill?

Answer 1

First, it is your responsibility to make sure all your credit card accounts get your new address.  You should know what accounts you have and send address corrections instead of hoping the mail gets forwarded.

Did this notice come from the original creditor or a collection agency?  Send a letter (certified, return reciept) to the original creditor and cc the collection agency.  Clearly explain that you where completely unaware there was any outstanding balance on the account and that you want to see proof that you actually made this charge.  

Pay them for the current charge as that amount is not in dispute.  And you are absolutely correct to refuse check by phone or any other direct access to your bank account.

Since the store allowed you to make the new charge on the account, it doesn't sound like the old amount was actually sold to the collection agency.  You can probably get this worked out with the original creditor.  Just put in all in writing -- don't call.