Question about credit collection

[no limit]

Hello, I was hoping maybe someone here could help me out.

About a year ago I started an advertising campaign with Dex for my business. Because business was slow I got behind on the payments and I have been paying them off month by month with dex. Then a couple months ago without warning they forwarded my case to a collection agency eventhough I was making monthly payments on time.

When I found this out by mail I just wanted to settle the payment and get them paid as I hate dealing with credit collection agencies. But the credit agency, global creditors (http://www.globalcreditors.com/), was totally unreachable. For weeks I tried calling which only took me to voicemail so I left messages. Tried emailing, no responses. Finally today after months (this originally happened in August) I get a call from a guy there. He gives me this run around about how they moved, how he had cancer, and how they were just finally today able to get back to me. he said if I paid them a flat $300 it would settle the debt (which is around $350) but I need to do it before 2pm today or they will report this on my credit report.

But this entire company seems hella shady to me. They do not have my SSN, all they have are my name and address. They keep advertising themselves as pera legals and working with lawyers, but as I understand if they don't have a legal license here in my state they can't come after me legally. Right?

So I guess my question is without my social security number (I dont think they even have my date of birth) can they really report me to a credit collection agency? And could I be facing any legal challanges as a result of this $300? As I said, these people are shady as hell, I just wanted to pay this and get it over with 3 months ago but haven't been able to reach them. Then I get a random call today with them apologizing they couldn't answer my calls and that they just got my messages.

If any one has experiance in this I would appreciate it.

[Kali]

1. I'd go back to the original company you owe money to

and try to get things settled (and in writing!) directly with them. Otherwise make sure you document EVERYTHING - get full names, make notes with the date, time etc. Check credit report in a few months and be prepared to make corrections.

[no limit]

2. Thanks, but thats the first thing I did, should have said it.

Dex said I need to deal with the collection agency.

[Kali]

3. that 2 oclock deadline makes me nervous

might make sure you file a complaint about the way they handled this case with your state AG or relevant consumer agency...

[no limit]

4. He says its the way the computer is set up and he can't do anything about it

the entire thing smells way too fishy.

[Kali]

5. that sounds like utter BS

I wouldn't do it, myself. But then my credit isn't in the best shape either so take my advice with a grain of salt!

[no limit]

6. Thats the thing, I have been building my credit for a while now

and its in good shape, so I would hate to mess it up.

But I'm also not about to give $300 to some shady company. I think I will wait a week and see if they truly reported this on my credit. Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I'll see if anyone else has any ideas.