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 Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:50 am Subject: debt collector call |
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My daughter received a call today and the person and her supervisor on the line. the supervisor asked my daughter all kinds of personal questions, like, how are you paying your other bills, can your mother get a loan and pay this bill, what does your spouse do, who pays your other bills, are you still working at your last job, do you get alimony or child support, can they ask this questions, it seems that they have her credit report.
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brendanixon
Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 1
Debtcc Points: 65
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:02 am Subject: |
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What is the debt? Is it a valid debt? It seems like the collectores were not acting in a very legal way.
have you asked forthe debt to be validated?
Please give us a bit more info so we can try to help you
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kashzan
Debt Samaritan
Joined: 11 Jul 2007
Posts: 5458
Debtcc Points: 38911
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:08 am Subject: |
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Welcome to the Community  Yes, they can ask-doesn't mean it's right! It's none of their business who pays my bills, only that they are getting paid.
Is this a credit card company, pay day loan?
If you can tell us the name of the company, if it's in default, and what state you are in, it would help.
The first thing, as was mentioned, is to get them a debt validation letter sent asap. She needs to make sure this is her debt, and these people are the ones who has the debt, and are authorized to collect it..Feel free to ask questions..Karen
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Bossy4455
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:18 am Subject: |
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Karen is right - they can ask - but that also means you DON'T have to answer those questions. It doesn't mean the questions are legal - but it also doesn't mean you HAVE to answer them. Tell them it's none of their business or inform them that there's no law that states you have to give them that information.
They are only using those questions to try and pry information out of you and make you feel guilty about paying some other bill when you could be paying them. Take care of your basic needs first - housing, food, clothing, car, etc.
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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...and becoming debt free is a journey!
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SUEBEEHONEY70
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Joined: 12 Oct 2006
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:13 am Subject: |
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The above advice is correct from both Sue and Bossy. Never answer these questions with your personal information. You can answer these questions by asking the collector the same question, telling them to get lost, singing them songs or simply hanging up which ever is easiest for you.
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DOLLARSandSINCE
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Joined: 11 May 2007
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:17 am Subject: |
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I vote for singing.  What sorts of songs would one sing to a debt collector? Whistles would be good too! Nice big loud train whistles!
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Remember this motto to live by:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
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terminalwhirl
Joined: 07 Aug 2007
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:01 am Subject: |
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Personally I like "Money" by Pink Floyd or "Fight for your right" by Beastie Boys but I have to be in a really bad mood or really feel like messing with a collector to start singning it. Hehe. Another thing I do is keep repeating O.K. after every sentence the collector says. After a few minutes of it a collector eventually figures out you are just being a butt and messing with them. I also do not reserve these tactics for just collectors. I love using them on telemarketers too if I am bored. If I am busy I do not answer or hang up quickly.
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DOLLARSandSINCE
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Joined: 11 May 2007
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:17 am Subject: |
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How about answering their questions with personal information about imaginary friends? Or the Muppets? Or reciting poetry? "The Telltale Heart"? Then you could squawk--NEVERMORE and hang up! 
_________________
Remember this motto to live by:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
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terminalwhirl
Joined: 07 Aug 2007
Posts: 62
Debtcc Points: 1202
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:19 am Subject: |
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I keep a cheap old plastic whistle next to my phones, and when the need arises I just blow their ear drums out. It does work.
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kashzan
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Joined: 11 Jul 2007
Posts: 5458
Debtcc Points: 38911
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:47 pm Subject: |
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Pots and pans banged together (really hard) work well too.
Kidding aside, get the debt validated before taking any further steps with this collection agency. They are obviously shady and are walking the fine line between legal and illegal collection practices. Once the debt is validated (if it ever is), then proceed to tell them you will only communicate in writing, or send them a Cease and Desist letter telling them you will only handle this debt with the original creditor.
_________________
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...and becoming debt free is a journey!
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SUEBEEHONEY70
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