I have a question about the messages bill collectors leave. We received one today, and first of all, it didn't even sound "professional", because the lady's voice kept fading away like she was moving around a lot and not talking into the receiver. Also, she didn't even have the right name: she said Chrissy, but I'm assuming she meant Chris, my husband's name. A few lines of the message: "..if you're listening to this message, we'll assume you are the person we are trying to reach". I've heard of automated messages like this, after which you are connected to a live person if you stay on the line, but not messages from a live person. My point is, if they leave a message on your machine, how are they supposed to "know" who listens to it? Another line from the message ".. if you are recording this message, cease and desist" Ummm..isn't that what voicemail is for, to RECORD a message? Why wouldn't they want us to record them? Is it legal for me to do that, since they record me?
2007-02-28 13:44:03 · 4 answers · asked by crackersmacker_1 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
That sounds like:
a) truly shady collector
b) not a very bright one at that.
c) both a) and b)
I would definitely record the messages. That is, to me, a sign that they are saying things that they aren't supposed to be saying. A legitimate collector will know the law and not say anything that might get them in trouble.
I don't like phone solicitors much, and I imagine debt collectors are worse.
On a lighter note:
I usually give them a politely small amount of time, and after the second no if they are just being pushy, I just start pretending to yell at a troublesome child. "Put those matches down, RIGHT NOW! Remember what happened last time you set the cat on fire?" and then go back and ask them to repeat what they were saying. Do this about four or five times, until they figure out that you are jerking their chain...
2007-02-28 14:20:11 · answer #1 · answered by Random Guy from Texas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds more like an overall complaint than a message, but I will touch on something you questioned.
There is a new change in the laws that govern collection agencies that require debtors be notified that they are being contaced by debt collector on every contact. Under the verbage used in the law, an answering machine message qualifies as a contact. So, to be compliant, the collection agencies will now state within the message that they are contacting a specific individial regarding a debt.
The most common message from a collection agency will now be something to the effect of:
"We are calling to contact Bob Smith. If you are not Bob Smith, do not listen to this message further.
Bob Smith please call our office at 1-800-555-5555. This call is from a collection agency and any information obtained will be used for that purpose."
In most states you must notify the caller that you are recording them. If you did not obtain permission and started recording before you spoke to an actual person, they do have the right to request you stop recording.
2007-02-28 22:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by siren381 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In MO you can record any conversation if one of the parties is aware that it is being recorded. Don't pay any attention and if you do not have caller ID on your phone then get it and quit answering their calls
2007-03-01 00:28:40 · answer #3 · answered by rallman@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that sounds really weird. All the same, its best you contact the creditor and try to arrange a payment plan - no matter how small. The main thing is to show them that you're trying to clear the debt.
2007-02-28 21:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by sammyboywonder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋