Question:
I live in California. In September 2001 I had a dispute with an HMO
dentist regarding the payment for unauthorized services. The dentist
sent the matter to the collection agency. I paid the collection agency,
and received a letter from them stating that the collection will NOT be
reported to the credit bureaus because I paid on time.
In October 2002 I wanted to refinanced my house, and was denied best
rate due to the unsufficient credit. I found out that the collection
agency reported my collection in Septmebr 2002, and ruined my credit. I
contacted the collection agency, and they admitted that they reported
the collection, but added that they sent a letter to the credit bureaus
asking not to show the collection on my credit. They said that now the
matter is between me and the credit bureaus.
I would like to sue the collection agency. Do I have a case?
Answer:
It depends on many other factors. Exactly what did they report?
Exactly how did it ruin your credit? Did you have an agreement with
them before you paid that they wouldn't report, or was their promise
made after? Were you given an opportunity to make a written comment
in your credit file telling your side of the story?
Take this all to a lawyer who knows what he's doing. It's really too
complicated to deal with in a forum like this.
