Scott R. Welch, D.M.D., Professional

Incorrect Billing led to an amount owed, when initially was told there was amount owed and the balance was zero. Reliance lead to credit reporting.
I received dental services at Golden View Dental in November and December 2011. Upon check from their offices during an appointment, their representative told me the amount due. I paid and asked if there was anything else that would be billed or owing. The representative replied no and confirmed that the balance was zero and there was no additional amount owed. A few months after I move out of state, I receive a collections bill notifying me of that an amount owed was unpaid and had at that point been forwarded to Golden View's collection agency.

I did not receive proper notice about the additional amount owed and was unaware of their collection efforts. While contacting the dental office, they informed me of the amount owed and denied any attempts to reconcile and informed me that they had communicated the wrong information initially, and that there was actually an amount due in the amount of approximately $85.00.

When I insisted on the fact that I relied on the words of their representative that had said there was a zero balance, Gold View denied it and said it was out of their hands. Furthermore, I would have to contact the collection agency regarding the negative credit reporting. When I told them that I had relied on the statements of their representative claiming I had a zero balance, they refused to discuss anything further and forwarded me to the collection agency. The collection agency informed me that their main purpose is to collect the debt and any other disputes would have to be discussed with Golden View.

I was led to believe I had a zero balance by Golden View's representatives. Because of the reliance on their representative's words, I was under the impression that I owed no other amounts to Golden View, when in reality, they were attempting to collect an amount due when I had already moved out of state. Due to the unfair notice of attempted collection and subsequent reporting to my credit report, I am now faced with a delinquent account mark that has lowered my credit score. Golden View's unfair reporting and billing practices in giving appropriate notice to their customers regarding any amounts owed has led to an injury to my credit. Although, I have paid the unfair amount due, plus interest to the collection agency, the negative mark remains on my credit report. It is unfair business practice to surpass fair notice to a customer when the customer relied on the words of the business's representative regarding a zero balance. Additionally, it is an unfair business practice to forward amount owed to a collection agency and subsequent negative credit reporting, absent fair notice to the consumer.