If you have been sent a letter from a collection agency NEVER speak to these bottom feeders. ALWAYS keep everything in writing. When they contact you by phone tell them to contact in writing then hang up. When they contact you in writing, then stand up for your rights...and WE have rights under the law that these scum bags don't want you to know about. The FCRA Fair Credit Report Act is to protect us from these wolves. Learn how to fight these scums by going to whchat.com or creditboards.com. You need to know the law because collection agencies are looking out for themselves not YOU. They are liars and they will tell you anything to get money from you. Know the SOL in your State...on most credit card debt it's 4 years...that means your State protects you from being sued. Also you can sue Collection companies...it happens everyday.
Did you know this?
2006-12-14 09:25:46 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Bottom line is you don't have to talk to them, ever. There's this little thing called a "cease and desist" letter, which means don't contact me ever, by any means.
2006-12-14 12:11:43 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there are some underhanded collection agencies out there, just like there are underhanded people who try to get things without paying for them. The Act you are trying to quote is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Most legitimate collection agencies support this Act as it levels the playing field with unscrupulous agencies. Bottomline is this: if everyone paid their bills on time, there would be no collection agencies. It isn't about how to get away without paying, it is about how to be a responsible member of society whether you are the debtor or the collector.
2006-12-14 12:23:48 · answer #2 · answered by Scott C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well arne't you just little miss sunshine!
If I know I owe someone $50, and a collection company calls on their behalf asking for $60, I pay them. I incured the debt and I do the right thing by it. I dont try and screw companies out of hundreds or thousands by using laws which shouldnt' even exist. The reason things cost so much is becuase people like me have to pay for thethings people like you do! Dont f*ing charge on your card if you think you can't pay!
2006-12-14 10:01:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
While I agree with getting everything in writing- I don't think the collection agency should be blamed for everything.
Yes, some of them will play dirty to get the money but don't forget- you're the one that didn't pay the bill in the first place. They're misconduct never would have happened but for your misconduct. If you had borrowed money from a close personal friend, would you fault them for trying hard to get it back?
2006-12-14 09:33:32 · answer #4 · answered by Vadalia 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes. I've worked in collections for over 20 years.
And it's not 4 years. And the FDCPA protects both sides, consumer and collection agent.
And as a helpful tip, be polite, tell them you'll look into it, and can they send you a copy of the original bill. And then request it in writing, send it certified w/return receipt.
And call your Attorney General's office if you feel you are being "harrassed".
And finally, the old saw "if you paid your bill when it was sent to you by X, we wouldnt be talking today" really is true.
2006-12-14 09:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋