Utility Bill From Old Address

[anon]

I recently found out about a utility bill that had a past due balance from an old address.

The electric bill was in my name. I moved out, and my room mate continued to pay, but eventually switched it to his name. When he switched it to his name( in February), there was a balance that wasn't paid off. I just found out about it last week, and now I have a greater then 90 day late payment on my credit report.

I panicked and called the electric company and was able to pay, but from reading this forum I found that a paid in full means nothing. They said it was reported to a credit agency, but would send them a letter saying it had been paid.

Before I paid it, it was listed as a "Now paying / was a charge off"

Is there any way to try to remove the late payment from my credit report?

I'm in California

Thanks

[anon]

Some extra info...

I was originally told it was sent to collections, but they didn't know which one so they gave me 2 numbers. I called both, and neither have a record of it

[JoeMurphy]

Anon,

I wouldn't say that paid in full means nothing, it is definitely better than having the account still unpaid. This is an unfortunate situation where your roomate thought nothing of the issue and probably didn't even notice the old payment. For your sake, I would definitely dispute the charge citing the change in name but not address. You can't argue ignorance with the Credit Bureaus, you need some type of explanation as to how this information is incorrect. If I were in your situation I would contact the Credit Bureaus with a dispute letter. You will have to decide what your argument will be as to why you did not pay the bill.

Best of luck to you,
Joe

[anon]

Thanks for the response, Joe.

Can you clarify what you mean about a dispute of change in name and not address? Do you mean because it was switched to my room mates name?

Then I would need an explanation of why I didn't pay besides " I didn't know" or "They never told me". I would need some sort of financial hardship explanation? Or is that not what you meant either.

Thanks

[Lian]

The CRAs don't rule on subjective reasons why a debt was not paid.

If the debt was legitimately due and not timely paid, I don't see any inaccuracy in the reporting of the lates and/or charge-off to the CRAs,

If you dispute the accuracy of their reporting, the CRA will forward the dispute to the OC, who will verify its accuracy, and the CRA will then notify you that the reported information has been verified as accurate. Dispute concluded.

I would approach your situation by way of a good-will letter/call to the OC, explaining your situation, and asking them, notwithstanding the accuracy of their reporting, to delete their reporting to your credit file based on your good faith in the entire matter.