New collection :(

[23tony]

I just got a collection notice for a water bill. (I moved recently and this appears to be the closing bill - I thought it had been paid but I apparently missed it in the move - grr.)

 

The CA has not yet reported this to the CRAs' - and I really want to prevent that from happening. One thought I had was to write essentially a preemptive PFD ("I agree to pay if you agree to not report") and just pay it off but I'm not sure this is the best approach.

 

What would you guys recommend I do to keep this off my credit reports?

[MommaE]

If it's not yet reporting, go pay it directly to the utility company and get a receipt. I'd get on this asap before it does get reported.

 

ETA: Since you're contemplating working with the CA on paying this, let me reiterate that you should not work this out with the CA or pay the CA--only pay the OC.

Edited October 1, 2014 by MommaE

[23tony]

That was another of my thoughts but I was worried the CA might just report it anyways.

[shifter]

regardless, if you pay the OC they have to remove their reporting.

[MommaE]

If you pay the CA, they can legally report it as a PAID collection and it will have a negative impact on your credit.

If you pay the OC directly, they should recall it from collections. If it somehow gets reported by the CA and you didn't pay them [CA], you can get it removed. ICAN has a sample letter for this scenario.

[23tony]

That clarifies greatly - thank you!

[JunkBuyersWorstNightmare]

If you pay the CA, they can legally report it as a PAID collection and it will have a negative impact on your credit.

If you pay the OC directly, they should recall it from collections. If it somehow gets reported by the CA and you didn't pay them [CA], you can get it removed. ICAN has a sample letter for this scenario.

 

+1.

[23tony]

Thank you all - I have dug up some of my old bills & sent payment to the OC. I will refer back to that letter should the CA decide to report it. Really appreciate the advice!

[MommaE]

In what manner did you pay this? You want to ensure you get a receipt directly from the OC and that they don't just simply forward your payment to the CA, if they do that could mean bad news for you.

[23tony]

I was just sending a check - I guess that's not the correct way? What SHOULD I do then?

[23tony]

I just remembered - OC has an online payment option. Would that be sufficient? (assuming they will still accept payment on that account via that method)

[MommaE]

IMO, if you're not able to go there in person, I'd try the online payment option. Print a receipt of the payment confirmation page and request a copy of a final bill from the OC showing the balance is paid in full.