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Ari

Good morning everybody,

As I read the posts, I read a lot of horror stories about collectors who are committing numerous FDCPA don'ts. Why, I will never even try to understand. What made me a successful and well liked collector is certainly missing in all these cases. Allow me to share with all of you, the whole collections process through my eyes, how I realy think it should be.

I have always approached borrowers with an open mind. I don't know them, or what is happening with them, therefore the tone I take with them is neutral, calm, and unassuming. I have learned that being in debt does not make one stupid, I have in fact spoken with some very fascinating individuals with impressive lives and really cool jobs.

When talking to people at work, which is legal twice a month unless otherwise specified, never cop an attitude with them. They are at work, where there is already enough pressure surrounding them.

Suggesting a payment paln to a borrower can be a lot like sales, it does take a little finesse. I've found it beneficial to offer an array of suggestions, and then step off. It felt really satisfying on my end to sort of renew the borrowers' confidence by allowing some aspects of the resolution to be their idea. I also found it unnecessary to speak of consequences unless the borrower was resistant.

The bottom line is, I myself get upset when others approach me in a condescending manner and talk to me like I'm stupid, therefore I will not do that to others. The best qualitites of successful collectors are an open mind, empathy, a postitive attitude, and a realistic mind.

This is the way it should be.

God bless,

Ari

topgun

Thanks Ari, for your point of view. Hopefully a lot of collectors will read it and will use your way of thinking.

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:35 pm Subject:

Thanks for your post Ari. I think most of us after reading this, will see that not all collectors are the same. It is nice to see your contributions to the community.

KarmaPolice · Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:32 pm Subject:

KarmaPolice · Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:34 pm Subject:

'fdcpa' not fdcps, of course.

Ari · Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 9:28 pm Subject: Legal calling standards

KP,

Yes, it is regulated in the FDCPA that calls to places of employment be kept to a bare minimum or a need basis. People can rarely accept calls of a personal nature where they work, it can get them fired.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:55 am Subject:

But, can they still call after you send a cease letter telling them not to call your home or work and request for written correspondence only?
thanks, shirley

KarmaPolice · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:18 am Subject:

ari, please advsie; what section in the fdcpa states a collector can only call a poe twice a month. thanks.

KarmaPolice · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:22 am Subject:

Ari · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:51 am Subject: response to KP

KP,

I don't know which section of it states that, I didn't read it word for word, but I did take a week-long class on it and every day after that, guidelines of it were ingrained in my head by managers on a daily basis.

Perhaps it's not exactly a law, but it is consideration because people do get fired if they allow themselves to be interrupted at work with personal calls.

Since the common goal is to recover funds for our clients, it is very destructive to get debtors fired, isn't it?

KarmaPolice · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:54 am Subject:

ari, maybe it is a company policy which you heard about, or just common courtesy like you just said.

however, nothing in the fdcpa mentions calls to a debtor's poe. there are only just a COUPLE of states which have laws stating how frequent you can call a poe, all other states do not regulate at all.

KarmaPolice · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:56 am Subject:

p.s - not trying to give you a hard time ari. just trying to clear things up for the people who are being called in violation of the law. i don't want anybody to be under the wrong impression.

Ari · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:13 am Subject: Not just about laws

Dear KP,

Part of my collections philosophy is not just about laws, it's also about concience. There have been instances where I just felt it was inappropriate to be on the phone with someone. For instance, an account came to me in the autodialer, and as i studied the account while waiting for the debtor, I read that she'd had recent surgery. When she finally came to the phone, she sounded deathly weak. I could not continue the conversation because she was in no state to discuss her money problems at that moment. I also got an account in the autodialer where the debtor answered, I could hear water running, and she said she was in the shower. I offered to call later because I felt that talking to a naked debtor was awkward.

These are just personal morals of mine, that there is a time and place for collections activities and those times and places should be meticulously selected. The more one tightens their grip, the faster their success slips away.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:54 am Subject:

Ari, KP

The debt collection industry really needs people like you. These aesthetical values followed by you can still make the collection industry look good in front of the consumers. But the sad part of the story is that nowadays, a majority of people in collection industry now go after money rather than values.

Your firm will never have a bad name because people like you are responsible in growing the company's name and wipe off the bad practices faced by most of the consumers.

Ari · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:02 pm Subject: response to ben

Dear Ben,

Thank you for your kind words. I love people, I enjoy helping them and restoring their confidence. As long as this forum exists, I will be there. even long after I recieve my degree and go into the Marketing industry, my caring will never cease.

Best,
Ari

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:29 pm Subject:

Ari,

Thanks for your kind words for this community. It is really appreciated. And through your posts, people will get a new dimension of viewing and dealing with the collection agency industry.

Please catch a glimpse of this topic

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/forums/about5886.html

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