Is it just their job, or do you think it takes that type of personality to do a job like that? I have been put down and literally told that I'm stupid when talking to bill collectors. I don't like the fact that I've even been put in that position, but when all the bills can't get paid you do what you have to do. Point in case: ....I had a bill collector call me regarding a hospital bill for my young son that I could not pay. I had taken him to the hospital as his regular doctor was closed.( He had a bad virus and had become extremely dehydrated very quickly. We spent the better part of the night in ER, with him hooked up to IV's and everything. ) I tried to tell her very politely that we had very little money and that I could pay a very small amount each month, but not what she was saying would suffice. She had the nerve to tell me that if I couldn't pay the bill then I shouldn't have taken my son to the hospital! Well, needless to say, i crawled up one side and down the other of that
2006-11-30 23:19:50 · 10 answers · asked by joseph b 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Relax, don't let them do that to you because it is their game. They want to harrass you until you are so tired of hearing from them that you alter your budget to pay them first. Why because they get a percentage of it.
You need to keep your cool and say,
"I am paying what I can. Sorry." Then hang up.
As long as you are paying on a bill you are ok. No matter what they say. even if they threaten to take you to court and get your home. (They can't) Why because you are making an effor to pay them.
DO NOT skip a month, even if it is just $25 for that whole month make sure you pay something. Then you will be OK.
Hope that helps
:O)
Jerry
2006-12-01 01:14:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Collectors are legally able to harass you to a certain extent. Part of their job is to intimidate you into paying. So if they get ruder, most people will pay up to get them to go away. However, bill collectors cannot cuss or threaten you. They may only tell you the consequences of not paying and what the collection agency is prepared to do in order to obtain payment, such as garnish your paycheck for certain bills owed.
You can send a "cease and desist" letter to the collection agency and they will have to correspond to you in writing only and not call you. You can find a copy of this on the internet just make sure to follow the instructions right. Get in contact with the hospital you took your son to and ask them for relief from their indigent fund. Every hospital has one and don't let them tell you differently. Find someone at the hospital who has some empathy and work something out. DO NOT become belligerent with them as it only makes it worse.
Check the laws in your state about how, when and where collectors may call you. Some states don't allow collectors to call you at work which they love to do if they can get away with it as it demeans your character with your co-workers and embarrasses you. Good luck!
2006-11-30 23:44:08 · answer #2 · answered by Dimomma 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah right! You were supposed to let your child die. Pay a little bit every month and that way I expect legal action will be confounded. If you are abused by the bill collector again just put the phone down since you cannot reason with psychopaths.
Bye the way did you know that hospitals often place mental health patients in their billing department?
2006-11-30 23:44:41 · answer #3 · answered by Biz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if they were caring understanding people they wouldn't be bill
collectors. It takes a certain kind of person to do that job. Life is
getting more expensive all the time. It is easy to get behind. Especially
when you have children. Is there anywhere that you can get some social
help. Any agencies in your area? Don't get involved in nasty confrontation
with the bill collectors. It only takes your energy from where it is needed
most. Take care of your family. Look for local help. Get back on track.
2006-11-30 23:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by sunnymommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have talked to the manager of the hospital and told him/her about the collector..It is not right for her to say that because the life of your child is what you're concerned of...maybe she doesn't have a son...
2006-11-30 23:40:38 · answer #5 · answered by nozmiat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's their job but just like all people, some are better than others. And then you run into the occasional jerk. Sounds like you found one of the latter this time round....
If he/she gets to be too much of a pain, try screening your calls....
2006-11-30 23:29:46 · answer #6 · answered by Andy FF1,2,CrTr,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides being their job they have heard every excuse know to man. Just like the rest of us if they do not produce they are out of a job.
2006-11-30 23:28:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i hear ya, and have been told some of the same things by these ppl. they have bills they don't pay either. lol. we just don't know about it. i've gotten to the point now where i don't answer the phone...ahhh, love that caller i.d.!!! i don't respond to their letters...i'll just show up in court when i get sued, and tell my story to the judge. they can't cook you and eat you. (i hope).
2006-11-30 23:25:08 · answer #8 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay your bills and they'll stop hasselling you.
2006-11-30 23:36:09 · answer #9 · answered by Feeling new @ 42 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is their job, and what you should do is be just as mean to them as they are to you
2006-11-30 23:22:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋