lupher
Mar 4, 2005, 02:43 AM
Hi,
I have signed up with a company that advertises itself on TV, for a contract of 300-something dollars (~Jun-2004). Now, by about Oct-Nov I couldn't pay my membership fees (I am a student and had not had a chance to work at that time) so, I called them and told them that I want to cancel my account. They offered me a "one-year membership", namely, "if you pay $60.05 now, we'll keep your account in good standing until June 2006". I agreed and have been charged that amount. Nevertheless, a few days ago I received a letter from a collection agency, stating that I owe this company 200-something dollars and that if I do not pay it - I'm screwed up. I called up the collection agency, found out the situation, and then called up the originating company. The representative told me that "we are going to call them [the collection agency] today and clear it out". I was much satisfied, but as I called the collection agency the day after, to make sure that it is through, I was told that it is not possible to "clear it out", once it's forwarded to them. I had to make a settlement to avoid screwing up my credit history, but I do feel violated - the company told me I can pay $60.05, they chraged it, and they told me I'll be OK until June. Suddenly, I have to come up with $200-something, not counting that my history may become screwed up, *and*! They closed my account! I'm plain outraged!
Is there a way to deal with this? I've already paid the settlement to avoid bad credit history, but this is just not right. If I call this company again, would it be legal to tape the conversation without their consent so that I can use it later (I could hook up the phone to the computer) or I'd have to notify them of this fact? Should I still file a dispute with the collection agency?
I mean, I avoided bad credit history, but I do want my money back, because I don't believe that money was taken right. They can keep the transaction fee, but I want my $200 back! Anyone, if you know something about such situations, please answer me!
Thank you,
Ivan
I have signed up with a company that advertises itself on TV, for a contract of 300-something dollars (~Jun-2004). Now, by about Oct-Nov I couldn't pay my membership fees (I am a student and had not had a chance to work at that time) so, I called them and told them that I want to cancel my account. They offered me a "one-year membership", namely, "if you pay $60.05 now, we'll keep your account in good standing until June 2006". I agreed and have been charged that amount. Nevertheless, a few days ago I received a letter from a collection agency, stating that I owe this company 200-something dollars and that if I do not pay it - I'm screwed up. I called up the collection agency, found out the situation, and then called up the originating company. The representative told me that "we are going to call them [the collection agency] today and clear it out". I was much satisfied, but as I called the collection agency the day after, to make sure that it is through, I was told that it is not possible to "clear it out", once it's forwarded to them. I had to make a settlement to avoid screwing up my credit history, but I do feel violated - the company told me I can pay $60.05, they chraged it, and they told me I'll be OK until June. Suddenly, I have to come up with $200-something, not counting that my history may become screwed up, *and*! They closed my account! I'm plain outraged!
Is there a way to deal with this? I've already paid the settlement to avoid bad credit history, but this is just not right. If I call this company again, would it be legal to tape the conversation without their consent so that I can use it later (I could hook up the phone to the computer) or I'd have to notify them of this fact? Should I still file a dispute with the collection agency?
I mean, I avoided bad credit history, but I do want my money back, because I don't believe that money was taken right. They can keep the transaction fee, but I want my $200 back! Anyone, if you know something about such situations, please answer me!
Thank you,
Ivan