Credit Issues? How To Fix Something?

Question

The Players :

Cox Cable - I owe them nothing. They have stated this numerous times.

Quantum collections : A local collection agency that says I owe $700 + for a old Cox Cable bill.

Heres the story : Many years ago I was behind on a bill that was owed to Cox Cable for service so they sent it to Quantum Collections. Not wanting to pay a collection agency which charges interest I took care of the problem with Cox Cable. I went on with my life and forgot about everything. Quantum Collections didn't. They say I owe them for the Cable bill and I don't. There is no receipt to show anything because this happened more than 10 years ago! I never paid anyone for a $700 dollar bill and if I still owed Cox Cable for this bill logically I wouldn't have service with them now! Who would still offer service to someone who owed money from 10 years ago? Any answer on how to fix this would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, I think this debt is well beyond your states statute of limitations to collect.  Check this web site to make sure first:

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-...

If it is "time barred" then send them the following letter (you fill in the blanks).  Once they know you know your rights, they will most likely drop it and disapear like most bottom feeding collection agencies.

I would also make sure this is not on your credit report. They may have re-aged the debt to have it appear.  If they did, then that  is illegal also.15USC1681s-2]  Ã‚§ 623. Responsibilities of furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies

Today's Date

Your Name

Your Address

Collector's Name

Collector's Address

RE: [insert account number or name of account or name of debt]:

Dear [insert collector's name or company name],

This letter is in response to your [letter dated xx-xx-2005] (copy enclosed) or [phone call on xx-xx-2005], concerning the collection of the above referenced [account or date].

I do not believe I owe what you say I owe therefore I dispute this debt. I am well aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and my state laws so I hope to save both of us a great deal of time by letting you know that not only do I dispute the validity of this debt, I have also checked with my State Attorney General and verified that the Statute of Limitations for enforcing this type of debt through the courts in (insert your state or the state in which the contract was signed) has expired. Therefore, should you decide to pursue this matter in court I intend to inform the court of my dispute of this debt and that the "statute of limitations" has expired.

This letter is your formal notification that I consider this matter closed and demand that you, or anyone affiliated with your company, stop contacting me regarding this or any other matter except to advise me that your debt collection efforts are being terminated or that you or the creditor are taking specific actions allowed by the FDCPA or my state laws.

Be advised that I consider any contact not in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act a serious violation of the law and will immediately report any violations to my State Attorney General, to the Federal Trade Commission and, if necessary, take whatever legal action is necessary to protect myself. Be advised that I tape record all phone calls and violations of the FDCPA can result in you or your company being personally fined up to $1,000 per incident.

(Sign above name)

Printed Name

Hope this answers your question

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  The advice contained herein is for informational purposes only.  It is not to be construed as Legal Counsel nor Legal Advice.

Answer 2

This is more like a FYI then an answer.  Generaly if something goes into collections, the company (Cox Cable) usually will not accept a payment for the collection.  They have already sold it to the collections company.

Answer 3

You need to contact Cox Cable to settle this, and technically they can't collect.  You should contact Sgt Red, or Spifiman to see what recourse you have.