CenturyLink formerly Qwest CenturyLinks Modem Scam: Charging and taking me to collections for a modem I returned. Nationwide

MODEM SCAM! I was reported to a collection agency for a modem that I have returned via UPS. A couple of such incidents could be passed as an error; but after a search online, there are hundreds if not thousands of customers who are victims of the same fraud. I returned the modem a year ago via UPS and I just found out that CenturyLink charged me and put me in collections last week when I received a notice from AFNI, a collection agency. They have all my contact information but did not even call me prior to notify me while UPS could have still tracked the package. After spending hours on the phone, Centurylink's representatives are saying that they have not received the modem, cannot do anything about it, and that it is my responsibility. I obtaining the tracking number from a more cooperative Centurylink rep and callied UPS. The customer rep informed me that they only keep the numbers in their system for 6 months and they have no way of checking it anymore. She also mentioned that it was not the first call they had received regarding this problem with Centurylink. Fraudulent and incompetent company preying on their customers? It looks like it. Is this a way to recover their cost on leased modems? I wrote on their facebook page but they removed my post. I am about to to file a complaint to the Attorney General of my state.