Can a collection agency send a bill for one thing when it is really for something else?

Question

I got a bill from a collection agency today for 1212.42 from the local hospital when i called the hospital they said it was only 758.75 so i called collection agency and they said 758.75 was for hospital and the rest was from a apartment we used to live in. Isint this illegal to collect saying it is for when thing and it is really for another? What can I do ???

Answer 1

You have a few options. First, if both the hospital bill and the old rent are valid debts, and both have sold the debt to the same company, it is legal for them to bill you for both on the same bill. If for any reason you don't feel that either debt is valid, you do have the right to dispute them individually without affecting the other debt. This is a difficult negotiating situation, since they have not one but two items over your head. What they cannot do is tell you that they cannot accept one without the other. Each bill is still an individual debt, and you can force the issue if you need to.

The biggest thing I tell people, as a mortgage collections agent, is don't be afraid of calling the agency. As long as you know where you stand, you will always have the upper hand, since you have what they want: MONEY! Most of these 3rd party collections agencies only get paid when they collect, so yes, they are going to be pushy. If you want to work out payment plans, etc, know before you get on the phone what you can realistically afford each month. Do NOT let anyone steer you away from that amount. For example, if you want to pay $10/month total on the account, when they balk, be ready to walk away (the "take it or leave it" attitude), or tell them they can just go ahead and approve it, because that's what you're going to mail them every month anyways. They will whine and complain, but in the end you will prevail.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

they can put the 2 debt together and say you owe x-amount

Answer 3

Pay your bills.  Don't be a deadbeat.

Nothing illegal.

Pay up now.