In May 2005, I cancelled my account with Verizon & paid final bill. Check cleared thru their M&T account. Several weeks later, collection attempts began: calls, letters, etc. Sent copies of cancelled check. Months later, collection agency-AFNI- begins sam campaign: call, letters, etc. Sent THEM copies of cancelled check. Years go by. Receive notice from AFNI; call them back to refute bill, AGAIN. Then, they send a “compromise” asking for half the amount alleged. I send them cancelled check & ask them to stop- they are violating Fair credit collection laws. Months later in 2010, I am turned down for a credit union account: Verizon collections matter! I sue in small claims: 3 attorneys show up. My case needs to be filed in Federal court (cause of action is Fair Credit laws) & Verizon offers to settle: by removing the credit report- something they refuse to do BEFORE I settle any damages amounts. If anyone else out there in same situation?