Well, guys, because of a certain roommate that I had at the dorms last year, I was sent a $3000 phone bill. When I first got suspicious about these calling patterns back in April, I called the phone company and they didn't know about any charges. When May came around, however, all of it appeared on my bill -- suddenly they acted like I had not tried to contact them. They did not want to "adjust" my account or work with me or anything. Now they have a collection agency after me threatening bloody murder if I don't pay up. I would welcome suggestions. Anyone?
Jobennett: As a soon to be ex-employee of a large Telco, here's my advice. First, if the phone service was in your name, you are the "responsible" person for payment of the bill. Second, when you contacted the Telco, they probably wouldn't have known anything was going on. Toll charges are billed in arrears, and they are your local service provider. You should have contacted your long distance carrier! Thirdly, since this has gone to a collection agency, some time has gone by...I would do two things. First, contact an attorney and take steps to recover the money owed you by the roommate. I'm sure he's your friend, but this will affect your credit rating, not his!! Then contact the collection agency and let them know you are doing something about the debt. I'm sure they will work with you, knowing you are trying to do something.
Good Luck!
Name witheld
Greywulf: The collection agency should be willing to negotiate a position as to your ability to pay. They are also in a position to negotiate a cash settlement. Explain your situation and then ask the question ( What would it take to settle the bill?). If you negotiate a settlement, be prepared to follow through and have the cash. A number of years ago, I had a similar situation with a business partner that hung me out to dry with the phone company, and I followed the advice I am passing to you. After six months of payments, I bought out my account for $750 on a $2800 balance. The collection agency is under pressure to close these accounts because they still show on the phone company's books -- that's why they pressure you.
Good luck.
Nesron: The first thing you have to realize is that, if you are like most students, you have assets that the collection agency can attach. I have had similar problems with roommates that lead to my credit rating being trashed, but it has taught me a lot about just what a collection agency can do. If you can pay the bill, do so. If you cannot, and you want some relief from the abuse that agency will send your way, mail a letter which states that you do not wish any further contact from them. This will trash your credit -- but if you can't pay, your credit is gone anyway. I would go after your former roommate. Sue for the cost of the bill, and for the damage he did to your credit.
Good luck, but remember there is life with bad credit. If you have nothing, they can take nothing.
SoyMax: You may be able to get some of the money out of your former roommate by besmirching his name to those folks he cares enough about to talk to on the phone forever. You have their phone numbers on his bill. Call them and tell then what he did: Something like "Did you know that your son/boyfriend/chum is the kind of person that would stick his roommate with a huge bill?" If he starts getting grief from his loved ones about this, he may reconsider his actions. If you don't feel bold enough to do this, try calling when you'll get these peoples' answering machines. And remember, these calls could be worth a lot of cash to you -- no matter how jerky you feel about making them.
VLemley: I'll assume you know where this deadbeat is. Make arrangements to pay the bill, by all means.
Then see a lawyer.
