Collection Agency Attempts to Collect Fees on Bill That Was Paid Before It Was Even Referred to Them

[Anonymous]

Paid real estate tax bill on March 21.  Got receipt from County and also have cancelled check. 

Contacted collection agency on March 21 to make sure I wasn't on their system (they said I wasn't and that nothing had been received in the mail).

On April 5th I got a bill from the collection agency.  Called County back, they said the account was satisfied, that they had sent it to the collection agency on the 27th of March but since informed them that it was an error.  Collection agency denies that I called them on March 21 (I have digital records) and also denies that the County did as well.

I told them I have proof of payment (cancelled check and receipt from County), they said this was insufficient and that only the County could submit proof.

Is this legal?  I have this unsettling feeling that I am being trapped into paying a fee that should never have assessed.  What is next?   Are they going to claim that a letter was in transit to them from the County prior to March 21 and this constituted a contract? 

[llecs]

How much more $$$ is the CA asking for beyond the tax bill?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Paid real estate tax bill on March 21.  Got receipt from County and also have cancelled check. 

Contacted collection agency on March 21 to make sure I wasn't on their system (they said I wasn't and that nothing had been received in the mail).

On April 5th I got a bill from the collection agency.  Called County back, they said the account was satisfied, that they had sent it to the collection agency on the 27th of March but since informed them that it was an error.  Collection agency denies that I called them on March 21 (I have digital records) and also denies that the County did as well.

I told them I have proof of payment (cancelled check and receipt from County), they said this was insufficient and that only the County could submit proof.

Is this legal?  I have this unsettling feeling that I am being trapped into paying a fee that should never have assessed.  What is next?   Are they going to claim that a letter was in transit to them from the County prior to March 21 and this constituted a contract? 

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I think you need to get everything in writing from CA. Also if you paid everything on time than you should not pay a penny to CA. I was put into collection by my college for not paying my summer class fees whereas I did pay them on time. I mailed collection agency with certified mail and return receipt all the proof of payment and also made them send me in writing that this will not be reported to my credit report. I think you should do that.

[IOBA]

Objective - My suggestion would be to write the CA a letter stating that the account was sent to them in error, here is proof payment, and to cease and desist all verbal communication.   Ask them nicely to update their accounts to show as paid and that if the CA has any questions, they can refer to the county.   Then acknowledge mistakes happen and you apologize that your account was sent to them by mistake.

Copy the county tax office.

Send it CMRR.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, after several phone calls and emails they finally relented and put it in writing.  All good.