A couple years ago I went out of the country for a few months. Before leaving, since I wouldn't be returning to that apartment, I paid/closed all the utility accounts. Or so I thought. About 6 months ago I randomly checked my credit report (for the first time ever, thanks to SW) and saw that one of the companies had written off a small amount as bad debt.
I never received a phone call or letter from the utility company or a collections agency, so I had no idea there was a remaining balance and I owed anything. All my mail went to my parents house while I was gone so they would have let me know.
Today, after all that time, I received a call from a collection agency to pay the balance...is that even legal since it's already been written off? Anyway, I hung up with them, immediately called the utility company and paid the balance.
When I discovered this 6 months ago I sort of caved in and thought "Shit happens" but I'm furious all over again that this is on my credit report. I know I should have paid this when I found out but I thought I didn't have to pay since it was bad debt and I was just plain fucked.
Can I dispute this with the reporting agencies? What documentation would be useful to prove my case? Thanks for any advice.



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