It's easy to say, 'Just don't write bad checks.' The reality is, sometimes there are circumstances that are out of one's control (identity theft, bank error, etc etc) which can cause mishaps on a person's account, resulting in bounced checks. That's why collection agencies and law firms who act as debt collectors are around. Necessary 'evil' and whatnot.
There seems to be this common misconception that all debt collectors are greedy, ruthless, bottom-feeders who are on par with hustlers and drug-dealers. Sorry, not true. I am a debt collector myself, and I actually enjoy my job (to an extent). No, I'm not a sadist. I've actually gotten compliments from many debtors on how professional and helpful I have been. I've also gotten complaints that I'm mean and uncaring - I don't know a collector who hasn't gotten those, however. On the phones, we have to be tough because, believe it or not, we deal with a lot of crap all day long (who doesn't?). Some people get cynical, and I know that shows on how they handle situations that arise on calls. I've heard my coworkers say things that I would never say, ever... even if it does not violate fdcpa. But I digress...
In my experience, a great many people want to get rid of the constant anxiety that comes with owing a debt. Problems begin to crop up because the collector and the debtor often have different agendas. Most people I talk to don't end up paying, so you have to understand we are constantly dealing with debtors who say they will pay, then don't. Like I said, we deal with lots of crap. That's irritating, but anyways... the few that become extremely angry or upset with me on the phone are often those who feel entitled to something, or are frustrated by a poor financial situation (or sometimes both). I don't mean to make a generalization - it's simply what I've observed in the time I've been a debt collector. And then there are people who just refuse to pay, that make a habit of bouncing checks like it's free money or something. You can call me scum (or any other derogatory term... I've heard them all at this point) all you want, but I pay ALL my bills ON TIME. It's the bonafide criminals who make collections a difficult and demanding job, which in turn makes the collectors more demanding of the debtor in the first place.
Some tips for the every-day debtor...
- Keep it clean. When you start swearing and yelling, I simply chuckle nowadays. Or I flip off my phone (you can't see it, so what do you care?) More importantly, you catch more bees with honey, right?
- Check your records if you doubt you owe the debt. Don't scream at me for a half an hour instead. That's just childish.
- Don't repeat yourself non-stop. I heard you the first time, thanks.
- It's not telemarketing. Don't simply tell me to put you on our do-not-call list. We don't have one.
- Please don't chit-chat... yes, the weather is fine here, but let's keep the conversation relevant to the matter at hand.
- Pretty much just be professional. When you're off your head, nothing gets accomplished.
Perhaps what I've said doesn't help anyone's specific situations, but I'm tired of seeing all these complaints injected with ignorant comments on debt collectors... thought I'd get my side out there.