Sent to Collections.....Can they??

Need some advice on the following:

Cancelled my cable service (mediacom) in February as I switched to Satellite. In March I got a bill from Mediacom, which I only paid the Feb balance since I had cancelled service.

Each month thereafter, I got a bill. I called each month to find out what the problem was. One time was told the balance would be written off, another I was told to fax satellite bill and balance would be written off, but alas nothing happened.

Last month (June) I got a bill from a collection agency for services rendered by Mediacom for March, April, and May! I called collection agency who did nothing but demand their money. I called MediaCom, faxed satellite bill, and thought it was over.

Just got another bill yesterday from collection agency. Now I'm mad. Called Mediacom three times. Was finally told the story, and here's where I think there is a legal issue.

Because I had a balance due at time of cancellation, they IGNORED my request to cancel service and continued to bill me until the account went to 90 days, at which time the terminated service (that I wasn't using) and sent me to collections.

How can a company legally continue to bill a customer for services that were asked to be discontinued? There was no contract that I can recall -- has anyone ever signed a contract to start cable service??

Any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated!

I am not familiar with collections, but I would contact your cable provider, and ask to speak to a manager. If you had called in and cancelled your service, the customer service reps you spoke with should have inputted notes into their system. I agree with you in that you should not be responsible for any bills from your cancellation date.

This is something you do not want to drag out, as it could potentially affect your credit rating.

Good luck.