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Collections Law/disputed bill on credit report?
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Question
Hello,
We have nearly perfect credit. We are having a problem with our garbage collection company. We had some construction waste, about 1 cubic yards' worth, that we asked them to dispose of. My husband made the call and explained what it was he was going to be putting out and the woman said "no problem, just put it out with your regular trash." He did, they picked it up, and then sent us a bill for $50!! When we called to ask why it was so much, the lady said something about the garbage company having to pay fees to the state for that type of waste, then said that the person who collected it said there were 4-5 cubic feet (there wasn't--only 1). After talking to her supervisor she said "that type of waste goes by weight and the price stands". We feel strongly that if there were such huge fees involved she should have mentioned this to my husband when he initially called. We have had this type of waste before and it has cost $10-15. We told them that if they couldn't lower the price, we'd take our business elsewhere. They came back with $20 off, which would still be $30, which we still feel is way too much. Had they told us this in the first place, I realize I'd have nothing to say. But they didn't, and they must know the average Joe is not aware of all the state fees/charging by weight, etc. We feel we are being gouged and do not want to pay it. If we didn't pay it, could the debt appear on our credit report?
Thanks,
Ann FitzGerald
Whether it is reported or not depends on whether this particular company, or any collection agency they hire, is a subscriber to one of the big three credit reporting agencies (experian, equifax, or transunion). Although to you this is a matter of principle, whether you pay or not, and whether they put it on your credit report or not, is not going to make a whole lot of difference. Would you feel worse paying the $30 or not paying it? That is up to you -
Even if they do mark it as a negative on your credit, you have the right to make a statement on your report explaining what happened.
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Answers by Expert:
John Hall
Expertise
Law school graduate, Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree; Over 25 years of experience throughout the United States in bankruptcy law matters (Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code) primarily representing individual debtors with consumer debt or small businesses; Experience has included all aspects of debtor/creditor relations.
Experience
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