What kind of message to leave on my answering machine for annoying bill collectors?

Question

I am so tired of coming home from work and have annoying messages from bill collectors. Yeah I know that I owe them money, but do they have to keep calling??

Answer 1

There really isn't any one "good" message to leave for criditor's on your answering machine...depends on your situation. But if you simply do not want any contact from them whatsoever; write each creditor a simple letter (referred to as a "drop dead" letter), stating that, "In compliance with all applicable Federal Law, this shall serve as notice, that I do not want any further contact from you whatsoever...period." Send the letter to the addresses on the bills, and all communication will cease. However, be forewarned, that they will more than likely step up collection actions, such a filing a civil suit since that's the only way of getting your attention. Also, be advised that creditors are permitted to contact you by mail to notify you of their intent to file any actions once, despite the fact that you have demanded no further contact.

The following may be of some help:

(1) If you owe the money or part of it, contact the creditor to arrange for payment.

(2) If you believe you don't owe the money, contact the creditor in writing and send a copy to the collection agency with a letter telling them not to contact you. A debt collector may not:
Contact you at unreasonable times, for example, before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree;
Contact you at work if you tell the debt collector your employer disapproves;
Contact you after you write a letter telling them to stop—except to notify you if the collector or creditor plans to take a specific action;
Contact your friends, relatives, employer or others—except to find out where you live and work;
Harass you through threats to harm you, profane language or repeated telephone calls;
Make any false statement, or claim that you will be arrested; or
Threaten to have money deducted from your paycheck or to sue you—unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so and it is legal.
To file a complaint, contact your state or local consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission. A useful site: http://www.consumeraction.gov/index.shtml
Hope things improve! Rob

Answer 2

Honey you are not the only one, they call me so many times i just want to get jack hammer and hit the phone because i feel that i am being pressured and stuff and that they think i am death or something.Also last year this worked and stuff but not this year.I said on my answering machine ''hey yall if you are bill collectors call once and i will pay and if you are not bill coectors leave your message and i will call you back'' now you can say that or take that and put it in your own words good luck

Answer 3

Without a fancy business routing system, there isn't alot you can really do, but I will offer you something that makes me laugh about the 500 messages I get. Just realize that the company you owe is giving up a substantial amount of money just to have these people harass you. Second, every time they call you, it is on their dime, Third, they have to pay the people to call you. If that dosen't bring satisfaction, just leave your machine to record only a five second message.....Hi, this is.......BEEP. Something also, offer them a certain (25-50%) percent settlement using the word bankruptcy in the same sentence, it worked to get them settled.

Answer 4

You already answered your own question. As long as you owe them the phone will continue to ring. To put an annoying message on your machine seems to be counterproductive. Suppose a friend, family m e mbe or your boss calls. It wouldn't due for them to hear the message on your machine. If I were you I'd either pay my bills or just ignore whats on your machine like I do.

Answer 5

change your number - this will take care of other annoying callers too, like that friend that only calls when they need something.

Dont use your new number for any forms you fill out, dont give that number to any business. If you need to, give a number of someone else (like your parents) that will contact you when they call- once they say you dont live there, they wont call that person anymore either. Although, now u will be sending them to bug someone else- but it works-lol

Get caught up on the bills, then stay current so you wont have the problem again.

Answer 6

You may be tired of getting the calls, but be aware that the longer you go without paying what you owe, your credit rating is being shot to h***.

If you ever want to purchase property or a car or some other substantial purchase, you need decent credit. Pay what you owe. It's the right thing to do.

Answer 7

Why would you want to leave some kind of rude message for someone who is doing their job? It is your responsibility to pay your bills and they wouldn't have to keep calling you if you took care of your responsibilities. Trust me I'm sure they'd rather be doing something else rather than calling you too but they want their money.

Answer 8

They can be annoying. If you talk to them tell them that you demand, by law, that they contact you by mail only. Regardless of what they say they can not keep calling you if you tell them not to. As for an answering machine message ours says '"Hello, you've reached Wayne and Becky, we will only return messages from family, friends and our work, thank you." Good luck.

Answer 9

People who don't pay their bills make the companies charge the rest of us higher prices or higher interest to make up for it.

Arrange to make payments to pay off YOUR debt, so the rest of us won't have to. The collection company is only reminding you of the obligation that you have already involved yourself in and that you are seemingly ignoring from their point of view. Be responsible, and they'll quit calling.

Answer 10

Hi,

You have reached sweetersweet, **** you, everytime you call here lessens your chances of getting paid ! You just went to the bottom of the list !