Is it legal for a collections agency to lie to debtors and give false ultimatums and threats in order to collect money? Who can I report this to so it doesnt happen to others? I was just told that I had 11 days to pay a bill that I didn't even know about, and if I didn't pay I would have a judgement placed against me without any chance of it being reversed. After a little homework I found out that I actually had 90 days to pay the bill from the time that I was reported to collections. I called the employee's manager to report this and asked if he condoned this activity and he told me it was none of my f***Ing business what he condoned and hung up on me. Is there anything I can do about this?
2007-06-21 13:02:59 · 3 answers · asked by hobbsnatural 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No. There is a strict code of conduct collectors must follow under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act:
What you described would most certainly be illegal. Certainly they can't get a judgement against you unless they sue you and win a court case, or win by default because you didn't show. They also must provide proof of valid debt to you if you ask for it.
If it's valid, go ahead and work out a resolution with them, but get the final offer in writing before paying anything, unless you are paying in full.
If you don't want to deal with them any more, you can tell them to buzz off by certified mail and they are not supposed to contact you any more, except in very limited circumstances, like notifying you they are sueing you.
I've linked to a summary below
2007-06-21 13:06:15 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Pennybags 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm shocked anyone would give any credibility to a bill collector. Just like the police they say whatever they want to to produce the desired results. It has already affected your credit so you don't need to be in a rush to pay. I'd send them $5 a month, if I owed it.
2007-06-21 20:09:15 · answer #2 · answered by joker_32605 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the better business bureau, or your MP, (Canada)-or equivalents. You could also try a credit counselling agency, they would know who to get in touch with.
They don't have the right to harass you. They hire bullies on purpose to get the best results, but it is still harassment.
2007-06-21 20:14:53 · answer #3 · answered by Naturenut 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋