Small medical bill, colllection agency extorts me..

[martyolds]

I had an $18.00 medical bill on my credit report. I sent a copy of my credit report and a $18.00 check to the collection company. On the back of the check above the endorsement line I wrote "Endorsement of check signifies payment in full." The compnay cashed the check then sent me an additional bill for $22.00. I called them and told them that by signing the back of the check they had agreed that the account was paid in full and I owed no debt. The company told me that by writing that it made no difference and that I still had to pay the $22.00. I contacted the Federal Trade Commision and they said that it DID make a difference that the check was endorsed and was therefore a legal binding contract. On top of all this the company refuses to send me an itemized bill and call me at least twice a day. I am at a loss on what to do. I don't feel that I should pay the bill, but I want it off my credit report. I don't want to have to get a lawyer, but I don't know what other option I have. Any help you could give would be very appreciated!

[yoltvraps]

I can understand your frustration. If I were you I would begin by filing a complaint with your State Attorney General, then send a dispute to all 3 credit bureaus disputing the account. Include proof of your current address and a copy of your social security card if you want the results of the investigations mailed to you. Include copies of your compliants, a copy of the cashed check and any other supporting documents. The credit bureaus have 30 days from the date they receive the dispute to verify or delete the item. Here is a copy of a free credit repair kit http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/fre ... repair.htm which has everything you need to do it on your own. If the dispute does not do the trick, you may want to consider send a validation demand, then following up with another dispute to each credit bureau. If they are harassing you, send a cease and desist order.

[Seth Watson]

Very good advice yoltvraps!