Donna Foster54 said:Alright, so here’s my headache. I had this mobile data plan with AT&T that ended back in October 2012. I got a bill for about half a month, roughly $35, and I was positive I’d already settled it—I didn't even think twice about it. Then, about ten days ago, a collection notice popped up for $37. I figured, "Fine, maybe I did slip up," so I paid it right away thinking the matter was closed... only to have an enforcement proposal land on my doorstep today for $197! $37 covers the actual debt plus all these extra fees for drafting the paperwork and notary fees. When I called them, they claimed my deadline to pay was April 12th, and since I didn't pay until April 15th, they had already handed the case over to the notary. The thing is, I didn't even get that first bill until April 11th! It says it was drafted on March 28th, but since it wasn't sent via certified mail, I have zero paper trail proving exactly when it arrived. My parents actually found it in the mailbox while I was away on vacation. I didn't even get back until Sunday the 14th, and I paid it first thing Monday the 15th. Should I file an appeal? I’ve only got 8 days left. Honestly, the whole situation feels totally wrong under the $167... should I be suing the postal service now because they didn't deliver the bill on time? I have proof of payment for everything, and this latest notice *was* sent via certified mail, so I finally have a clear timestamp of when it arrived.
Anyway, I just got off the phone with the notary. She was actually really sweet and helpful, and she pointed out that her records show she received the case on April 15th—which is the exact same day I paid the bill! My bank statement confirms the transfer was processed on the 15th. She suggested I call the law firm that filed the seizure to try and work something out, or file a formal objection if they give me a hard time. So, I called them, and they just bounced me right back to the collection office at Inkasa. The woman there was incredibly rude and basically told me I just have to pay up. She claimed she might waive some fees, but she didn't care that the seizure was issued the same day the bill was paid, because they had already handed the file over to the lawyer two days prior. She said they already covered the costs and they just want their money back—if the notary wants to forgive my debt, she can pay them back herself! To top it off, the first warning supposedly arrived on April 11th, though she claims it was sent on March 27th, but the envelope I found says it was mailed on March 29th at 7 PM (and since that was Good Friday, the holiday delays definitely played a part)... and get this, while she was yelling at me on the phone, she tells me to add $0.63 in interest. I asked her what on earth she meant by interest since I just got this notice today, and she just lost it on me, saying she'd waive the interest if I just took the slip and paid the remaining $142 immediately. Does it make any sense to file an objection now? I'm worried that if I'm wrong, I'll end up stuck paying even more court costs on top of everything else. Thanks!