help! how should I handle this situation.

[MarieSmiles4]

I had an account go into collections over a year ago from ATT.  I went to the website of the collection agency to see how much I owed, and it said "account returned to original creditor".  So I went on to my ATT account and paid it in full 106.00.   Well, after doing this, I receive a letter from a NEW collection agency saying that I owe them this money now.  I contacted ATT and told them that since I paid them in full, I would like my file to be updated/collection removed. At the time I didn't think about it, but I guess I should have asked them to delete the collection from my report before paying, but I didn't realize it was in the middle of being "sold" to another company and there wasn't a collection from ATT on my credit report. So, how should I hand this?

Should I send the NEW collection agency a validation letter? Or should I contact ATT again to have them deal with the collection agency?Or a goodwill letter? 

I'm a little confused.  Please and thank you

[DiabolicallyRandom]

I would send a DV to the new collection agency asap in order for them to stop collection activities and reporting then contact AT&T and try to sort it all out with them.  Hopefully you will get a hold of someone that doesnt hate life and isnt plotting global destruction one phone call at a time.

[Anonymous]

Send the new CA a DV letter.  It will put the cease collection bar in place.

If you paid AT&T the have to let the one reporting know it is paid.  The CA has to update as such.  If they do not it is inaccurate reporting.  How long ago did you pay it?

[MarieSmiles4]

I paid it about 45 days ago, and literally got the notice in the mail 2 days later!