My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: New Jersey
In 2005 my son (then 18 Yrs) enrolled in state college, moved into the dorm and started classes in early Sept. By mid Oct, just 5 or 6 weeks later, he withdrew. I petitioned the school for a pro-rated refund and received a refund check for $4,700.00. This was approximately 50% of the paid in full first semester cost. I cashed and deposited the check and never really thought about it again. When my son filed his 2011 tax return this past month, his refund was witheld by the state due to the refund check. I called the school and they said they made a mistake and the $4,700.00 was owed back to them. After much back and forth, they said that was a mistake as well and they only wanted $2,700.00 back. They refuse to send me any kind of documentation or written refund policy, will not release the lien on his tax refund and have put a black mark on his credit report. Any thoughts? Seven years later seems like a very long time to try to collect money. It seems like they are not really clear on anything, and quit honestly after seven years i don't know who I spoke to at that time. Should i flat out refuse to pay? Try to settle on a lesser amount? Small claims? Thanks in advance for your opinions

