A good place to file a complaint is with the Federal Communications Commission. The rules they govern are stricter. I believe it is complaint # 1008, or something like that. It's been a few days since I filed a complaint on another number.
FCC doesn't mess with complaints; and my complaints in the past have always been investigated!!!
FTC and donotcall, place complaints on a list, and will investigate, file charges if they see a pattern. So everyone needs to file complaints, so that there will be a definite pattern!.
Anyone have problems with collection agencies calling? There are laws to protect Consumers from these jerks. #1, they technically do not have any authority. They usually purchase charged off bills, from other creditors for pennies on the dollar. #2, because the bill is with an original creditor, you are NOT obligated to these jerks. They will try to convince you that you are. #3 the only way you become obligated to these agencies, is if you make payment arrangements with them; thereby creating a contract/agreement, where none exist, when they first contact you!!!
If you answer the phone, simply say:"I do not discuss financial matters by phone - send me a statement in writing and I will respond to it." Then Hang up!!! Otherwise, they will have you completely shaken!!! The longer they keep you on the line, the more chance they have, to get money from you including payment arrangements – or payment agreement/contract!!! You are NOT legally obligated to talk to them!!!
Collection agencies are ruthless jerks!!! They will tell you they are the original creditor when they are not - even though it is illegal, for them to do it, per Federal Consumer Protection Laws. You can legally sue them for $1,000.00 per violation.
When you do get a statement - google "FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT" One or more online Attorney websites will be shown. These websites will have valuable information, including a Cease & Desist sample letter; or a Cease Communication letter. Once received, it is a violation of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, to contact you further.
You can also educate yourself by reading Consumer Protection Laws at ftc.gov; a lot of valuable information. Don’t have time, download and read later. You will be glad you did!!!
I am not an Attorney - just an Educated Consumer, in Consumer Protection Laws. I have spent hours studying these laws and becoming familiar with them. They have helped us and friends/family as well; and hopefully it will help someone, who reads this.
And for those self-righteous criticizers, who say, just pay your bills on time; things happen to people with credit card debt, medical bills etc., often beyond their control such as job loss, divorce, death, illness etc. and you find your self in a bind. We've been there, we know. You do not plan to pay late, or not make payments; but if the income quits - there's not a whole lot one can do! You then are forced to prioritize, Mortgage, Utilities, Car payment then food, if you can! Other things have to be let go!
I hope this information will be helpful to somebody who reads it!!!
Regular Mail & Certified Mail #:
Collection Agency
address
Date
RE: Account #’s:
Original Creditor
Amount in Dispute:
To Whom This May Concern:.:
I am in receipt of your demand for payment. However, this Notice is to confirm that I do not wish to be contacted again by you, and that you are hereby put on Notice to Cease Communication pursuant to 15 USC Section 1692c(c). Failure to comply with said Notice, shall result in a complaint filed and submitted to the Federal Trade Commission, and possible legal remedies in an appropriate United States District Court.
In addition, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT, I am not waiving my right, to dispute the alleged debt asserted herein, but at this time I am under no obligation, to respond as a result of (original creditor)’s default.
Sincerely,
_________________________________
your name
Address
City, state
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