Credit Collection - rude collecters?

Question

I had a credit card that I paid on a monthly basis and on time every month. I became unemployed and continued to pay through the entire unemployment. I did not find a job and ran out of money and lost everything. I contacted the company to let them know where I was moving to and let them know I was sorry that I wasnt going to be able to pay anymore until I got a job. They would call every day for collection and I informed them everyday that I didnt find work. After a couple weeks of this I had some different deapartment calling that was a bit more rude but understandably so. A couple weeks later they started to call and yell at me and call me a loser and told me "Loser get a job and pay your bills".This was terrible. These calls continued for a month whether on the phone or on the answering machine.I then got a call from a lady who I told I had $10 to my name and she asked me to send her $5.She then said that I should give blood for money?Now they are suing me. What can I do?

Answer 1

File bankruptcy

Answer 2

First of all, check the Federal Trade Commission website and read about the Fair Debt Collection Practices act and also your state's website to see what the law are there concerning debt collection practices. As another person stated, you can write them and tell them to contact you only in writing.

Most companies don't sue. They like to threaten because people are intimidated by the legal system. I don't know how much you owe but most of the time it's not enough for companies to pursue legal action. And what would the company acheive anyway-you have no assets. If you are concerned, check with your local legal aid and someone there may be able to advise. Good luck.

Answer 3

Collection laws vary all over the place so you might want to check if they're violating the laws in anyways. Calling you a loser is really inappropriate but unfortunately it's their job to do what it takes to recoup money for the credit card companies. If you can't pay you might have to consider bankruptcy or refinancing. Once you've gone bankrupt they just write off the debt and can't bother you anymore but of course that's not always the best solution.

In the future, if you feel you need to carry a high balance you might want to consider getting insurance that would cover your payments in this situation. Sorry.

Answer 4

First, I would report them to the BBB. That kind of behavior is uncalled for. They don't understand that they will get more if they are polite. A while back I just had to stop answering the phone because of the rudeness. You can submit a claim to the bbb online. Also I would send them a certified letter with a complaint letter to their home office. If you really want them off your back, send them even a dollar money order every month. This will annoy them but they cannot sue you if you are paying on the bill. Jennifer

Answer 5

They are allowed to be rude. Certain, specific things (such as calling at 3 A.M.) are prohibited, but you do allege this.

You can send them a letter telling them to contact you only by mail, and not by phone. This should solve the rude caller problem.

The bigger problem is the lawsuit. You will probably lose, but ask the judge if you can wait until you find a job to pay. Since you have no money to be seized and no wages to be garnished, the lawsuit seems somewhat pointless.

When you do find a job, you will have to pay them.

Answer 6

The original creditor has more leeway than collection agencies. Fact is, they hear all the excuses, and believe it or not, some folks actually lie. They have quotas or they'll be without a job.

If they are now suing, be sure to show up in court. They will win a judgment against you. They can attach your bank account or lein your property or garnish you wages -- judgment is good for 10 years and can be renewed.