So I just posted in the Pit an open letter to Comcast, you can go there and read my (hopefully) somewhat humorously furious retelling of my tale.
What I want to find out from the law dopers is: If I end service and refuse to pay the outstanding charges, do I have anything to fear aside from being sued for payment?
Thanks.
Having your credit rating whacked with overdue charges.
Anything to fear? Like what for instance? You think Comcast is gonna send out the goon squad?
If you discontinue service with outstanding charges, Comcast will likely attempt to collect. If you refuse to pay Comcast will likely turn the account over to a collection agency. Either Comcast or the CA will report the outstanding debt to the three major credit bureaus, all of which will keep the information on file for up to seven years. If the amount is significant enough either Comcast or the CA may file a suit in small claims court. When they obtain a judgment against you, that will also be reported separately to the credit bureaus. The creditor may then attempt to garnish your wages and/or attach your personal or real property.
If derogatory information is placed on your dredit report you have the right to place a statement explaining your side on the report as well. When you attempt to get a credit card, or get a car loan, or a mortgage, you will be denied because of the black marks against your credit. The potential creditor will not read your explanation or if they do, they will not care.
My advice is that you pay what you owe and if you dispute charges you negotiate a settlement with Comcast that both of you can live with. Better the short-term sting of paying something you don’t think you owe than the long-term damage an unpaid debt will cause.
IANAL, etc.