Collection Agency Calling--Please Help

[QUOTE=DebtBigTime;505984]:confused:Hi ev1, Im a new member and hope you can help me!!!!
I have GC Services calling me in regards to a Amex debt and now they are calling my neighbors house. I just got a call from them advising me this. I cant believe they would do that, is this legal, I live in Mass? She said he kind of harrased her, good thing I know my neighbor, she said she gave it right back to him and I believer her..lol!!!
I want to call them but kinda affraid to and was wondering if I should ask them to send me a debt validation even tho I know I owe it? Please help me out on how to deal w/this, my nerves are getting the best of me. I have several other cards in a debt consolidation and planned on paying amex myself but ran into financial problems and can not pay right now.
Thanks for all you help and happy holidays[/QUOTE]


Evenin', and welcome to the community.

If they told her anything beyond asking how to find you, that's not legal anywhere. Answer me some questions, if you would. I'll be able to help you better if I have more information.

First things first. Have they (GC Services) talked to you previously (before they called your neighbor)? This is important.

Next: Are you on good terms with the neighbor in question? If so, ask her to write up a statement of ecactly what the GC Services rep said to her. Offer to pay for having it notarized (about five bucks, usually). Might as well start building a file on these folks now.

And then: What state do you live in? When was the last time you made a payment or a charge on the account?

Hi Unclewulf.'
I live in Massachusettes
As far as I know they asked if I lived next door and she said she didnt know wand he said OH YES YOU DO KNOW to her. I have never spoken w/them and the last pymnt made to the card was 10/22/09. Yes I am on good terms w/her and I know she would write something up for me. I just dont know what to do about it. Should I call them and request address to send Debt validation letter? Feel like Im going to have a nervous breakdown, Thanks for ALL YOUR HELP!!!!

[QUOTE=DebtBigTime;506155]Hi Unclewulf.'
I live in Massachusettes
As far as I know they asked if I lived next door and she said she didnt know wand he said OH YES YOU DO KNOW to her. I have never spoken w/them and the last pymnt made to the card was 10/22/09. Yes I am on good terms w/her and I know she would write something up for me. I just dont know what to do about it. Should I call them and request address to send Debt validation letter? Feel like Im going to have a nervous breakdown, Thanks for ALL YOUR HELP!!!![/QUOTE]

massachusettes?a couple of things here.

1)collectors can't call more than 1 per day
2)payment by phone is prohibited in MASS.meaning the collector is breaking the law if they ask for or demand bank info,or other payments over the phone.
3)unless they changed it MASS is a 1 party state meaning you can record them without there consent.

i personally would contact AMEX immediately.let them know the story,and that will not work with this collector.i doubt they sold it that soon so let them know that a bottomfeeder is collecting for them.in the meantime have your neighbor either record or hang up.

Massachusetts is a 2 party consent now. You will have to notify them if you record the call. [URL="http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/272-99.htm"]Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, ? 99[/URL]

[QUOTE=Anonymous;506174]Massachusetts is a 2 party consent now. You will have to notify them if you record the call. [URL="http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/272-99.htm"]Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, ? 99[/URL][/QUOTE]

cool thanks for the update.

Thanks so much for your help ev1,Then should I call them and request the address to send a debt verification letter? Totally lost on what to do, but definatly dont want them bothering the neighbors

actually you want to send a debt validation letter.yes i would call them,and say you will not speak to them again without something in writing.you can have your neighbor send them a C&D letter.

GC Services is 100% scum.

Here is their address in case they decide to be funny and not give it to you:
6330 Gulfton St Ste 303
Houston, TX 77081-1108

Do not let these scumbags stress you out. They are bullys who can't do anything to you, so they rely on these scare tactics. Bottom feeding agencys often depend on calling neighbors, family and friends in an attempt to embarrass you into paying; legitimate debt or not. So I hope you are now seeing you don't have to fall for it and you can stop them!

Did I mention they're scumbags

Contact a lawyer in your area by going to the website of the non-profit National Association of Consumer Advocates, www.naca.net. Don't hesitate to talk to a lawyer even this early in the game, you'll learn a lot about your actual legal rights, in addition to the useful information you learn here from non-lawyers.

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