how can i settle a small phone bill debt with verizon without hurting my credit?

[mer1985]

I have a small phone debt with Verizon, it all started when they started to bill me incorrectly and could not get the problem fixed, i went over a period of several months to have it sold but they could not fix the billing issue due to technical difficulties, now 2 years later they have it under a collections company still with a wrong amount. How can I settle this debt without hurting my credit, I know I owe something but I know they don't have the right amount, how could i solve this without hurting my credit?

 

[CatDad]

You may be able to negotiate the complete removal of non credit card debts like defaulted cell, medical, utility bills etc. from your credit report with a Pay for Delete agreement. This is where you get a signed agreement from the debt collector (PRIOR to making any payment) where they offer to remove the negative items from your credit files after an agreed-to amount is paid. They will NOT want to do this....all they want is your money and their commission and they could not care less about your credit rating....Still, you have something they want (money) and that puts you in a position to negotiate on this issue. Example letter:

I am willing to resolve this issue for [$xx] if your firm sends me a signed letter on your company’s letterhead agreeing that this account will be Paid in Full after this amount has been received and that you will remove all negative notations from my credit report after this agreed to amount is paid. Upon receipt of this letter I will mail you a USPS money order for this amount.
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Again, they are not going to want to do this...if they simply refuse to remove it, then you want to negotiate that they will update your credit report to "Paid in Full.”

 

[AnthonyC]

Call Verison and show them your documentation- to prove to them that they are at fault.
You can also just pay off your debts ASAP.