Debt Collection?

Question

A collection agency called me today. This is the first time they've called and they have not sent me anything in the mail. They gave me the name of their company and wanted me verify my social security number. I have never heard of this company so I refused to verify anything. She would not give me any more information. Do collection agencies have to inform me of the company they represent before I verify my social security number? Also, they called earlier today and let the phone ring once and then hung up. Then when they called the second time I was able to answer, but she hung up on me because I wouldn't verify. Is this considered harrassment?

Answer 1

Usually if you owe a debt the original debt-holder will notify you by mail that you must settle the account w/i 30 days or they will assign it to a collection agency.

What you are describing sounds like a scam.....

1) Do you owe anybody $$$$ ?
2) If you do, contact that company and ask them if they still have your account or if they have discharged it it a collection agency.
3) If they have sent it to a collection agent, ask them to provide you with the name of the agency and phone number and contact them yourself!

Plus collection agencies usually contact you by mail and tell you that they have gotten your debt from the original company, they give the amount owed and they provide you with a case number or file number that is different form your original account.

If someone is calling you and just asking for your SS number they are probably playing you! Next time they call, ask for the name of the company, ask to speak to a supervisor, ask why they are trying to collect from you. If you have caller i.d. and can trace the phone number, contact the FCC and let them know that someone is running a collections scam.

Answer 2

If you ask what the debt is for they have to tell you. and if you don't want them calling you you can request by writing to them that not to call and only communication be in writing.

You need to get the fax number of the collection agency and the account number and the name of who you would address the cease the calls letter too. Its important that you document this and keep this letter as proof and the confirmation of the fax going through.

you would do this letter up as a business letter and at the bottom you must include your mailing address so they know where to send things to you.

If they fail to comply with your demands there is a consumer protection agency that you can call and lay complaints. Usually they will give you a number of a person that actually works in the collection agency, but there job is to make sure they comply within the rules.

I don't know but if you have a credit counseling service they would be able to give you a number to where you could lay your complaints.

I am not sure about this part, but I think they can only call 1 time to talk to you unless of course they don't get anyone on the other end.

Good luck

Answer 3

If they are a true debt collector they have to give you there phone number so that you can call them back. Also look the company up online to see if they actually exist. Be very careful about giving out your personal info. It may come back to haunt you. By the way I was a debt collector for a while. They should have definately sent you something in the mail before calling. If you owe a company money they are going to go to an outside collector only as a last resort because the person who collects actually gets a portion of the outstanding debt once you have paid. Hope this helps.........

Answer 4

I just had this problem a while back. I was getting the same thing for about 4 months. They would call here I don't know how many times a day. The people were Asian sounding to me and was really hard for me to understand what they were saying. One even went as far as asking me for my SS#. The thing that got me the most was when I got a bogus statement in the mail saying that I owed this much, but, they would settle for less, calling it a "discount". I contacted the state in which they were calling from. In fact, I had a few state agencies look into it for me. Come to find out that they were a fony as bolony and it was all a scam. If you have caller ID, keep track of the numbers that come up. Taking note of time and date of their calls is also helpful too. Go to whitepages.com or any other reverse phone number look up web site and do a reverse phone number search. You might get information about who this could be, you might not as many of the numbers are unavailable.

Even if you can locate the area code in which the calls come from will be good. You can also do a reverse area code look up as well. That way, you can find out what state they are in and contact that state threw their web site.

Don't give these people any of your personal information either. They are just waiting for that and waiting for you to take their bait.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Answer 5

I used to work for a collection company. I know Ugh. Anyway, in many states there are only allowed to call and talk to you once a day. If you do not answer they can call again, unless they leave a message on your machine. I would not verify a social without knowing the company. They can use other source to verify (i.e. address, phone number, madien name) I would be cautious about giving out my social too. Next tiem they call tell her to verify there social with you and see how they feel. Good luck.

Answer 6

It does not sound legitimate. I would alert the police department. It sounds like they are Phishing. No company will ask you to verify by telling them sensitive information. They may ask you for the last four digits of your social to verify what they have on file, but never the whole number. They need to tell you what company they represent. eg: We are the collection agency hired by Chase Manhatten for the visa credit card you have with them that is past due and need to collect from you. If they do not inform you of who they are, with a call back # for you to call back to verify they are legit, DO NOT OFFER ANY INFORMATION AT ALL!

Answer 7

Do not give out your social security number!!!!
Some places ask for just the last 4 digits, that may be OK.

Even if you owe them, why do they need you SS#??

If you are being taken to a collection agency then they would tell you who it is. After all you are the one owing the money and you have a right to ask who sent you to them. (if this is not a scam).

Sounds like a scam to me. Call the number back next time and see who answers.

Answer 8

I knew a guy who worked for a collection agency, they pulled all kinds of tricks. They may be trying to collect a legitimate bill that you owe and what they do is not illegal. Asking for the SS number up front may have just been to gather more info on you or to test your gullibility to see how far they could push it - they often have to make deals for a lesser amount of the money you owe, and guaging your personality will give them leverage in the negotiation. What they do is sleazy though not illegal. I would call the company you owe money to and try to get the situation with them resolved as quickly as possible.

Answer 9

Debt collection businesses are considered highly lucrative, though often blamed among the public as illegitimate concerns. However, debt collection is an essential process to avoid business losses. It is also impractical for a business group to nag debtors to collect debt amounts. Debt collection agencies make sure that debts are repaid. From fragmented debt collection offices, the business has now grown to corporate establishments. Many debt collection agencies are now focused on international debt collection. Debt collection has even become the ideal entrepreneurship with safe returns.

Debt collection businesses generally work on a network system to ensure satisfactory service for the client, irrespective of locations. Larger concerns appoint franchisees to regulate local services. Local debt collection agencies still have their place in the map. They are assigned to collect low amounts. Debt collection agencies offer personalized services to gain the confidence of their clients. They have to adopt a strategy to collect debts, without disturbing the customer relationships of the client. Most agencies resort to various tactics instead of abusive measures. The professional attitude and working pattern help to achieve time bound results.

Debt collection businesses have to work according to the regulations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The federal law restricts bogus actions against debtors. They include proficient staff well versed in FDCPA, with necessary skills to enhance efficiency. They also incorporate various tools, including software to regulate office proceedings, automated dialing system, messaging system and other devices. They usually adopt a step by step procedure to revenue the debts. Litigation is only the last resort in the debt collection process.

Debt collection businesses generally work on a commission basis. They charge 20%-50% of the collected amount, depending on the complications of the case. Debt collection agencies also extend online debt collection, debt consolidation, credit reporting, letter services and accounts receivable outsourcing. Some agencies buy statute expired debts, most of which are highly profitable if the debtors can be prompted for repayment. Debt collection businesses thus play the role of a one stop shop for all payment issues.

Answer 10

If you are un sure it is your debt dont ever give them your social. Go to true credit.com it will give you your scores at all three agencies and let you see your report. It will charge you $15 a month an you can cancel at any time. It will also help you dispute things you dont think are yours. I keep mine active because I've had some bad luck with identity theft etc. And the peace of mind the $15 a month gives me is way worth it!