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How do you get a collection agency off your back when you already paid for the service?
Anonymous7 views6 answers
I recently paid off a medical debt to a clinic that I owed money to, but regretfully they also sent my debt to collections. I explained to the collections that I paid my debt in full, and that they should contact the clinic about my payment. They do not believe me. When I contacted the clinic, all they say to me is to explain to collections that I already paid for the service, but they will not do this themselves. Why do I have to do all the explaining? Shouldn't the clinic ask the collections to cease since the debt is paid?
Do you have proof of your payment? Like the copy of the check, a receipt, debit or credit card receipt, bank records, etc. If so, and it to them in a written letter explaining the debt has been paid in full.
Send them proof of your payment and inform them that you will file a complaint with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau if they don't cease the collection efforts on an already paid debt. If they still don't cease calling or sending you letters, then file a complaint with the CFPB.
Follow the suggestions of Attorneys Valencia and Washington, and send evidence of payment of the debt to the collection agency, certified mail, with a letter explaining that the debt has been paid in full. Copy the clinic on the letter. Keep a record of any calls made to you by the collection agency, and if they contact you again find an attorney in your area who handles collection defense and collection practices suits; you should be able to locate a qualified attorney through . Good luck.
The first thing you do is to seek out a local experienced consumer attorney. Take all the correspondences to the attorney and have him advise you of your FDCPA rights. Attempting to collect a debt that is not due is creates an actionable right under that law that can entitles you to legal fees and damages of at least $1000. If you do not want to hire counsel, you will most likely not receive any money, but writing the collector a "cease communication" letter clearly stating you refuse to pay the ddebt should stop them from contacting you in the future.
If contact is continiued even after that, then you should absolutely get that attorney and file a lawsuit.
