What are the laws concerning privacy with bill collectors? I got one harrasing me, discussing info w/ other s?
I have a lady saying shes from a law firm collecting a bill from 5 years ago in 2000 that was orign. 200.00 now due to late fee etc it is 600.00 . they say if i do not pay now they will give this case to the lawyer and i will be soirry they will garnish my wages 25% and send a form to IRS to take 3,000.00 at income tax time. aLSO THEY CALL asking whom ever awnsers the phone at home my personal info where I work , about my debt and if they could pay my balance or I will have files charged against me ? I barley have money and single mom 2 kids and cant pay off 600.00 I told them I could try to pay 50.00 a month they said it wasnt good enough to send 100.00 i said i would try.. well i sent 50.00 on they 22nd and since they havent recieved it they said they would expect me to pay 600.00 in the next 24 hours and I have to call back by 6 pm to let them know what i plan to do or else....or else what??
2006-12-29 09:59:08 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
You do have rights. Contact the Legal Aid Society in your town. They can advise you on how to proceed. Alternatively, you can contact the Attorney General office with your state. They can also advise you on what to say to your collectors.
In fact, I'm surprised that these people are trying to collect a debt so old. Usually, these are written off after a period of time, so make sure these people are legitimate. Hope this helps.
2006-12-29 10:26:25 · answer #1 · answered by bonacker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These folks live to harass people. No, they are not suppose to talk to others about your debt. They will probably go to court to get a judgment against you and don't be surprised if you have folks showing up at your house to serve you court papers (all this means is that they proved that you actually owe the money). Don't freak out. Just get a plan together. If I were you, I would speak to a non-profit debt counselor (check with the United Way organization in your area. Most provide debt counseling). Don't ignore the situation. They can come and garnish your wadges once they get a legal judgment so beat them to the punch and speak to a debt counselor.
2006-12-29 10:08:39 · answer #2 · answered by A M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, get them on tape, have the family members sign notorized statements, then contact an attorney. If you push hard enough, and talk to the right person, you could likely get the debt forgiven if you have proof (particularly a cassette recording) that they violated the law. I have in fact seen it where an agency would eliminate the debt to make a potential lawsuit go away.
2006-12-30 12:21:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"In fact, I'm surprised that these people are trying to collect a debt so old. Usually, these are written off after a period of time,"
actually, alot of times the company writes off the debt, it may be out of date and not even legally collectable, they will sell it off for pennies on the dollar to a collection agency that will hound you until you settle for half or something like that, then they may forget the agreement to only pay half and hound you for the rest,
they get people to pay even when legally they dont have to, its too old
but personally if you owe a debt you should pay it, dont try to sneak out on time limits
2006-12-29 11:56:33 · answer #4 · answered by swenjj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Document their harassment then SUE THEM and make them pay you money.
2006-12-29 10:57:41 · answer #5 · answered by Roman Soldier 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
why can they do?
ask them not to bother you any more.
give them a mail address to contact you.
and let it go.
they can't collect diddle.
2006-12-29 10:04:21 · answer #6 · answered by cork 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you sell some of your clothes, shoes, handbags and other things you don't really need and pay them?
2006-12-29 18:58:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
cork's right. All that big talk means doodley-squat.
2006-12-29 10:08:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋