Utility Collection

[kwalla]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA (Although I will living in NY at the time)

In 2008, I moved from NY to CA. I sold my house, settled my accounts and bought a new house. In January of 2010, I received a letter from a collection agency. This letter stated I owed the utility company $68.00 from 2008. This is the first communication I ever received.
I immediately called the utility directly, they stated they had made a mistake by not sending me a bill to my new address (which I had provided them when I moved). I paid the debt in full during that conversation.

In March of 2010, it now shows as a collection account on my credit report and ruined my score. Is there anything I can do here? How long do collection reports show? For $68.00 this is so unfortunate!

Thank you for your help!

 

[Some Random Guy]

File a dispute on the debt with all three credit reporting agencies. Include a copy of the documentation from the utility that your account is paid in full. If you don't have any paperwork, then get some from the utility.

In addition, send a letter to the utility company telling them that they should instruct the collections agency to cease reportign the debt since you do not owe any money.