Does the freedom of information act pertain to collection agencies? The reason I'm asking is I had a very unpleasant conversation w/a collection agency & would like a copy of that coversation. They say that the calls are recorded .... I would like a copy of that but the collection agency said they can't release that information. Do I have any rights to that transcript?
2007-01-05 03:40:11 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If they have recorded the call you have a right to a copy.
The problem is they normally say "This call MAY be recorded" and can then turn round and say it wasn't.
As or the answerer below me, FOI does not only relate to government documents, it covers many things, Drs records for example
2007-01-05 03:42:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Freedom of Information Act only applys to government documents. Private companies don't have to give you anything. They often say "MAY be recorded" so that they can come back later and say that your conversation wasn't actually recorded. If they have been saying some things that you think aren't legal, get an attorney. The agencies do have laws that they have to follow when attempting to collect a debt.
2007-01-05 03:43:03 · answer #2 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Freedom of Information Act pertains to public records, and not private recordings by a privately-owned business. Most likely, the only way that your recorded call's transcript or media will be released is by subpoena or court order.
Talk to a lawyer.
2007-01-05 03:43:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Freedom of Information Act was designed to force the U.S. government to release information that is unclassified or declassified to the U.S. Public. As far as I know, it doesn't pertain to private individuals or companies.
Talk with a lawyer who specializes in this kind of law for what your rights are in this situation.
2007-01-05 03:45:08 · answer #4 · answered by Peter S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. You have a right to record the information yourself, but you have to disclose that you are recording it if you are going to use it in court. If there was a criminal charge then you could have the records ordered in court. If you try to get them with the freedom of information act they will just claim that they don't keep the recordings.
2007-01-05 03:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by RayCATNG 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
freedom of information act only pertains to government documents, not information a collection agency may have.
2007-01-05 03:42:22 · answer #6 · answered by Kutekymmee 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They have to put that the debt was paid, but they are not required to remove the negative information (such as that the debt was paid late, or the account was closed due to delinquency). Negative information will be removed after seven years. You are allowed to contact the credit bureau to include an explanation of any circumstances that led you to have an outstanding debt, like losing your job or being hospitalized.
2016-05-23 06:00:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not much for paying bills? Don't complain about agencies calling. For what purpose would you want it? To get the person in trouble? Sue them for mistreatment? Good luck trying to get them to just hand out any evidence against them.
2007-01-05 03:44:39 · answer #8 · answered by guicho79 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
absolutely. lets assume you owe them three thousand dollars. pay the bill in full and send them a note asking for a transcript of the recording. I'm sure they will send it to you . do you have a problem with this? I'm sure that you do ...why do you ask???
2007-01-05 06:09:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - it only pertains to government agencies and businesses that do business with the government. You have some consumer protection laws on your side, but FOIA isn't one of them.
2007-01-05 03:42:56 · answer #10 · answered by texascrazyhorse 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋