How Soon Does Collections Report to Credit Agency
My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Wisconsin.
Hello. I recently ended a long-term service (Internet/Phone/Cable) with AT&T U-verse due to being laid off. There was no contract involved. After about a month, I received a bill stating that I still owed ~$150 on my final bill. I called their billing department to make payment arrangements as I did not have that much money available all at once. The lady on the phone told me it was not a problem and she would note my account that I would make payments and she told me that I could pay any amount that I wanted. I stated that I thought I could pay $50 a month and she stated again that it didn't matter and I could pay any amount I wanted, as long as the payments were regular. The following month, I received a letter stating that they have sent my account to collections and I should start paying the collection agency now. I called to find out why I was not allowed to continue making payments as arranged but three different supervisors were unable to find my account and I was told that any non-payment is sent to collections. I was irritated by that but, obviously, they can send me to collections if they want to...it's their money.
Long story, short: I just want to know if this has already been reported to the credit agencies. Do they report it as soon as it's sent to collections? I am really trying to keep my head above water and I would hate if my credit score plummets. Any information you can give me would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Re: How Soon Does Collections Report to Credit Agency
If you want to know if a debt appears on your credit report, you need to look at your credit report. If you have not yet done so, you can obtain your reports from the major credit reporting agencies for free at annualcreditreport.com (I can't promise that they won't try to sell you a credit score, but unlike other "free credit report" sites this one is official and you don't have to buy or sign up for anything in order to get the report.)