Joan,
I agree with you on those points... If you're going to deal with creditors and collection agencies, always get all dealings in writing.

Sometimes it's very hard to get confirmation of payment from collection agencies and creditors, however it's best to persist.

The problem is...if you're waiting for a letter from a creditor /ie a credit card company, which could take a month or so, the clock is ticking as far as the credit bureau goes. The longer you take to pay, the worse your credit gets.

Letter writing is important but people need to be aware that the clocks is always ticking when it comes to creditors reporting to the credit bureau. If you wait too long, you'll get more black marks on your credit report.

I thought I would add..it is in you best interest to pay the bill.

Worst case is it cant be removed from your credit file, BUT it will show as a "Paid" collection item..(dot assume this will automatically happen either check your credit file yourself to make sure you can get it free from equifax.ca by filling out a request form and waiting for it in the mail)

if a lender ever asks about it then you can say yes had a mix up with a creditor but I looked after it as soon as I found out about it, usually this will suffice.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you get a letter stating the debt is paid in full and read it to make sure it specifically has your name and account number. Then put it in a safe place. Errors happen and the client might re-list with another agency because they didnt record your payout right ...and if that happens without proof of payment the next agency will never believe you paid the debt.

Interesting...I am a former "collector" and to the best of my knowledge most agencies leave the actual reporting to the credit bureau to the creditor, in some cases and at the request of the creditor the agency can report the debt..if they are an equifax/trans union reporting agent.

IF it says in the letter you recieved it wont be reported then bring that with you to prove your case. Generally speaking most agencies can understand a vaild arguement but make sure you have all your proof and or evidence...stating another collector told you this or that wont hold up as then its a case of he said/she said and nothing will happen.

hope this helps