Someone Posted this on another answer and I'd like to know if it's true:
(Also..if it is true, what are the consequences to the Collection Agency if they do contact you after sending this letter)
Here is a little known secret - you DO NOT have to deal with collection agencies - by law. All you need to do when getting a letter from a collection agency is state the following - by letter and signed with all names and account numbers noted:
My debt is not with you, it is with (fill in the blank). You are hereby notified that you may not contact me in any way, shape or form regarding this debt from this day forward.
Send it certified mail, return receipt requested.
If you respond to a collection agency in any way other than that from the first contact, you have in actuality validated their efforts to collect the funds, whether they are legitimate or not.
2006-08-23 15:23:40 · 4 answers · asked by 1yugpj 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
If the debt was "assigned" to the collection agency, that little trick "might" work. Then again, it might not. And in my opinion, the chances that it will work are slim. Very slim.
If the collection agency purchased the debt and the person who sends that letter is still within the statute of limitations for legally collecting the debt - that person may soon be looking at a summons.
Either way, the collection agency can legally contact the person once more after receiving a full cease and desist letter. They cannot legally collect in that contact. The contact is to let the person know what the collection agency plans to do whether it be to sell the debt, return the debt to the previous owner or file a lawsuit. Many (not all though) collectors will just turn it over to the lawyers to deal with.
You might check out the link I've provided. Do some reading in the newbie forum first, then in the credit forum.
2006-08-23 16:14:30 · answer #1 · answered by echo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The law is clear. If you contact a collection agency telling them not to phone you or call you on the telephone again they will not and cannot
they may however sell the debt to another agency and then you have to start again.
2006-08-23 22:37:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. love 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally never deal with collection agencies. Mainly because of their bullying tactics. If I owe a bill to a company then that's where any payment goes. Thus the Collection Agency does not get any commission for their effort.
If they call me I give them my standard speech. "I am aware of my debt to so-n-so company. And it is my intention to make good on that debt as soon as I am financially able. You may not contact me further concerning this debt or you may be charged with Harassment. Good day."
And if they send me a bill, I simply deposit it into the circular file for further review. (aka the 20 gallon Rubbermaid trashcan by my back door.)
2006-08-23 22:39:12 · answer #3 · answered by xeuvisoft 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when iwas havin that problem..i called them and was like "i changed my phone numbre so lemme give u my cell number" and then i changed my cell number....LOL..im evil yes i noe..but it worked and they update their files so they loose ure house number..luckly i paid their money..cuz after a while collection agencies will lower the debt so u can just pay and get it over with
2006-08-23 22:31:00 · answer #4 · answered by iCe.PriinCess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋