Another collection problem

I received another email from a debtor who has a problem with a particular telecommunication/ internet service provider company. The email sender is asking for advice on a collection letter he received. Let me share with you the content of the email (portion of which were edited to protect identities), his email reads:

“Good day Mr. Ed Limtingco! I happened to read your articles on The FREEMAN online regarding collection agencies when I am searching for suggestions/advices on what should I do with my problem with an internet service provider. Last year, I think the month of August, I applied for a DSL plan XXXX (name of DSL company). The connection was okay even when I get used to intermittent connection. I am paying the amount due regularly for 3 months until such time in December. One day, I cannot access the net because the phone did not have a dial tone. I logged a help desk ticket online, and followed up the ticket thrice. The information I got was that my connection problem was caused by a stolen cable. I called my internet service provider in XXXXX, Bulacan using the contact number they provided when I initially applied for the service. Since I cannot contact the number, I went directly to their office on a Saturday. They said they will inform their field workers to fix the problem immediately. I waited for weeks and up to January 2011 and still got no service. This is when I decided not to pay my succeeding bills because why should I pay for a service I am not receiving? I think my fault here is I should have immediately applied for disconnection. Now, I am given I final notice to pay an outstanding balance of 3600 pesos plus 30% interest. If I will not pay the amount, then I will be endorsed to their lawyer and that I will pay for future litigation/lawyer fees. I am disputing the amount because I believed I should not be charged that amount and in reality, I was not able to utilize the service from December onwards. Since I am unfamiliar with existing laws, I would like to seek your assistance on what steps should I undertake to help resolve this problem. Thank you very much.”

This particular scenario is very common to every consumers, be it a cable service, cellular bills or credit card charges. A lot of times, we tend to immediate decide not to pay a bill because we feel it is unfair or simply ‘out of principle.” Believe me when I tell you – even if you feel or sure you are correct, but not paying a particular bill, because you are not satisfied with their service is not always a good move to do. There is such a thing as terms and conditions -mostly written in small letters, at the back of the contract you signed. Meaning, there is such a contract or agreement every consumer signed when availing of a particular service, even for a promo. Once signed, it now becomes a legal contract or a binding obligation for parties involved.

Since I am not a lawyer, I would not attempt to give you specific advice on this particular case. But let me give you some wisdom on how to deal with this problem of yours. Next week, I will be sharing with you some simple steps you could do so as to be able to determine your next move. (to be continued).

For comments, rejoinders and questions related to credit & collection, send emails to [email protected].