What do you usually say to bill collectors when they call you?

Answer 1

Nothing. I have caller I.D. I don't pick up the phone if I don't recognize the number.

Answer 2

Well, after they call & call...often before 7:00 in the morning, I get pretty pissed. If they keep calling while I am doing stuff around the house, I pick up the phone and scream to the top of my lungs to quit calling. Sure enough, within 2 minutes they call back. What really make my blood boil is when you do try to take to them and reason with them they threaten lawsuits, and then they are rude and hang up on you! If you have AT & T in your area, ask for CALL SCREENING. You can enter up to 10 numbers that will be blocked and your phone won't even ring. It is worth it. Yes, I have debt that needs repaid myself. I have a real reason why I am not paying it. Creditors could care less about it. Their job is to hunt you down and make your life miserable. Good thing they're not around my bipolar husband if he were to have a weapon.

Just tell them to go take a long walk off of a short pier. They're all rude anyways.

Answer 3

I used to not answer the phone - or if I did answer the phone I'd be truthful and make arrangements to pay - Luckily though, I don't have bill collectors calling me now.

Answer 4

Well, they're not tele-marketers, so you can't tell them not to call again. That's their job. To continue pestering you until the debt is handled.
Sorry to say, but they will call back again and again until you talk to them.
Besides, it's YOUR debt that they are trying to collect. Own up to it and talk to them.
However, I will say, stick to your guns. Don't let them talk you into any unreasonable promises. For example, "can you have that $500 by tomorrow?"
If you can only pay $20, tell them exactly that. Remember that companies really don't care how much they get. They are happy with just getting something.
The longer you avoid them, the quicker and easier they can take you to court.
However, if you pay them something, anything, it's going to be better for you in the long run. At least you show them that you're trying.
Also, don't fall for the "pay me by Western Union". You end up paying quite a bit just to use that service. That's more money you don't really have.
Therefore, when they ask for you to use a quick payment method, decline and say you want it in writing. Meaning, ask them to send you a letter that explains the conversation that just transpired. They'll fight that, but again, stick to your guns.
Tell them, this is the only way you'll pay any money.
Keep in mind that these people who call you are most likely those who are getting paid crappy wages to call people. They aren't account managers. Therefore, they can't "force" anything on you. They can't threaten you.

Answer 5

It has always been a wrong number but I usually like to mess with them and see how long I can keep them on the line thinking that I may know the person that they are looking for.

Answer 6

Thank goodness they don't call. But, solicitors are tops on my hate list. I tell them in no uncertain terms that I'm on the national do not call list and if they call me again I will sue their @ss off, lol. And then I say, "have a nice day" and hang up!

Answer 7

Sorry, the person you are calling no longer lives here or No speako ingleis

Answer 8

most of the time I don't answer but if i do i just hit on and then off so i never say anything to them

Answer 9

First time, the person they want is no longer at this number, after that they get a whistle.....

Answer 10

I instruct them not to call again, threatening civil and criminal prosecution if they do so. Harassment by telephone is unlawful.