They have lied to me to get her work number ("there's a family emergency, this is her cousin"). They are abusive on the answering machine, and I can only assume when talking to her in person as well ("you are such a liar Miss _______, you really need to learn how to deal with your money") ("People like you shouldn't be taking care of children")
They call 2-3 times every day. We can't answer the phone anymore
I've told them to stop calling because she's away on vacation (true) but they continue to call 2-3 times each day.
Surely this form of harrassment is not legal. Is there any steps we can take to stop this (besides the obvious, paying them... she is not capable at this moment of doing so).
2006-07-20 03:55:58 · 23 answers · asked by magicpixie 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Isn't it wonderful how many of you want to judge that she's on vacation... She is a school teacher, there is no school in summer. She goes on "Vacation" to where her parents live so that she can work a temporary job and not pay bills while there. She is not bad with money, she was screwed over in a divorce. You people who are quick to judge her are just as bad as the collections agencies. Jerks.
2006-07-20 05:25:22 · update #1
It is not legal for creditors to harass you. I used to work for a CCCS corporation.
I believe (I am a little rusty) they are only allowed to call you once a day between the hours of 8am and 9pm. If you have this harassment recorded on an answering machine take it to a lawyer. You have a very strong case.
Also, you can send a Cease and Desist letter. This will cause the creditor to stop calling you and will only allow them to contact you in writing. But, your roommate is still responsible for the debt, so it is important to keep on top of it.
It is not right, and it is not fair. These people work off a commission, and they are ruthless. People used to call me saying that a collection agent was telling them that their dead mother would be disappointed in them. Get proof, and try to get anything you can in writing. It is sad, but if you don't it is a he said she said kind of case.
Hope that helps.
2006-07-20 04:31:55 · answer #1 · answered by wishing_i_could_sing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to STOP collection agencies from ever writing or calling you again. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act contains an empowering tool in for the consumer. By law, a collection agency must stop contacting you after they receive a letter telling them to. The body of the letter should basically read:
You are hereby notified under provision of public laws 95-109 and 99-361, also known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices act, that your services are no longer needed.
Your organization is to immediately CEASE & DESIST all attempts to collect this debt. I will not recognize any collection agency and will deal only with the original creditor (WHOEVER THE CREDITOR IS).
2006-07-20 10:59:25 · answer #2 · answered by DanE 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you know there company name then file a report with the Better business bureau also if they are threatening file a police report as well. Get a recorder from Radio shack and record every phone call they will never leave a message because they do not want anything recorded. Unfortunately these guys get pretty nasty. They will pretty much anything up to and just over the law allows. Or when you answer the phone state" Hello,This call Is being recorded. How can I help you?"
2006-07-20 11:06:38 · answer #3 · answered by ric_ozz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can tell them not to call her at work and they would no longer be able to call them there. As far as her home number, even though she is not able to pay them in full at the moment, maybe she could tell them the situation she is in and ask them to accept partial payments until she can get back on her feet. I don't know what kind of debt you are talking about, how much, etc. but that may stop the harrassing phone calls. Unfortunately, there is probably not much you can do about it. I'm sure it depends on where you live. Check online for the collection laws in your state. Also, check to see who the regulatory agencies are for the collection agencies and call them to see what your options are. I hope things get better for her financially very soon.
2006-07-20 11:00:59 · answer #4 · answered by sexychik1977 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are laws governing collection agencies. It sounds like this one is going over the line. File a report with the Better Business Bureau and the Feds
2006-07-20 11:00:15 · answer #5 · answered by bad_bob_69 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my family was in the same position. It is PERFECTLY LEGAL no matter how rude and horrible it is. We stopped answering our phone. Thenn our debt got so bad that they were threatening to sue for our house. We filed bancrupcy and they can't call us ever again. But now we get my sisters bill collectors calling. Bancrupcy is the only thing other than not answerin the phone and paying them. Its not as bad as it seems though.
2006-07-20 11:00:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bill collectors acting in the way you have described is illegal and should be taken up with a law enforcement agency (local police dept etc.) That is true harassment and may not even be legitimate collection agencies.
2006-07-20 10:59:15 · answer #7 · answered by Morrisevers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes is it legal. They can not call or contact work once they are told to stop. They can not call your house on Sunday or after a certain time at night(sorry, I can not remember the time). If they call and get on your nerves, cuss them out very, very loud. DO NOT THREATEN THEM. THEY ARE BEING RECORDED. If you yell and cuss the instant you realize who they are, no one in the office will want to call your number. A note will be put in the file. Good luck,
Lee
P.S. You can change your number and make it unlisted
2006-07-20 11:02:28 · answer #8 · answered by william P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not supposed to call more than once a day, they can't falsify who they are, and they are not supposed to leave messages like that. She needs to get the name of the collection agency and report them. Get Call Block on your phone and block the number. Or have her set up a payment schedule and pay only $5.00 a month. I think once you start to pay, then they cant' bother your either.
2006-07-20 10:58:58 · answer #9 · answered by pamela_d_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
C'mon she can take a vacation but not pay the bills. Put this one up with Judge Judy and see what happens.
2006-07-20 11:06:55 · answer #10 · answered by EL Big Ed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋