ignorant collectors - not willing to talk over phone

Debt collection agencies are in business because they want to make money from the people who have stretched their luck and not paid directly to their creditors. Collectors are paid heavy commissions on every successful debt recovery from the person. To earn this bonus, they may even get to the point of squeezing everything out from you. Thus, they can be expected to very ugly at times. The CAs armor themselves with such weapons that are considered to be violations as per the fdcpa law. Regular phone calls with threats and abuses, lies and character assassination are just a few of the illegal tricks used by them. They are so common these days that people sometimes don't bother to report these illegal activities to the concerned authorities.

Always ask the collection agency to do all communication with you in writing. If you are disputing on a debt that is incorrect, they should not contact you further before the item has been verified with your creditor.

You can sue a collector in a state or a federal court within one year from the date he broke the federal law. You can be compensated for the damages caused to you by him. You will also cover up the additional amount of $1000 as well as the court costs and attorney fees if you win the case against him.

You also have the rights to file a class action lawsuit against a particular debt collector who has violated the law and recover up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector's net worth, whichever is less. Although documents to prove the breaking of the law is a must, but judges are familiar of the fact that these violations are on a rise.

Report all your complaints to the state attorney general office as well as the BBB and the FTC. Many states have their own specific laws and you will get legal guidance from the attorney of your state. He will help you in determining your rights and deal with such collectors.

Which all brings up the questions, if they arent willing to discuss the matter, Why do they bother calling in the first place?

Maybe, they are willing to break the law intentionally. Laws have been created for those who break it.

Since the collectors don't get moved by the actions that can be taken against them, we all need to show our stronger side and not get intimidated by them. Most of the times, they take advantage of our innocence and fear and do business from it.

I have been asking the same question the last few days. They call and talk really ulgy to me, so I tell them off and remind them of the laws,etc. Most of the time they get angry and hang up on me, then call back the next day. Don't they know that the way they talk to people does not make them want to hurry and call back? I basically tell them now "I spoke to you regarding this matter yesterday, and I cannot pay you at this time." Then I hang up. At least they usually don't call back again that day. I sometimes tell them that I am the babysitter and that the person they are asking for won't be in till late. That usually keeps them from calling back that day too.

I think it's the time to take legal actions against such collectors after covering the base legally?

After sending the cease and desist letter and recording the phone calls as per the laws in your state, any call made by the CA will result violation of the law. If we don't take actions at this point of time, the collectors assume that they are doing everything fine unless someone confronts them legally.

We cover ourselves legally but when the time comes to exercise our legal powers, we stand by. This is the opportunity for which we waited so long and it should not go into waste.

I have to flip the question on you why do u as a cardholder,debtor,creditee...whatever u may cll yourself get so ignorant with the collectors?

I try my hardest to find a solution to help my CH's but most of them get so ignorant with me and want no help at all...Ive had people talk real trash to me where I have to hang up the phone...ITS YOUR CREDIT...

Ash, most of us never intended to end up in trouble. I know for me, it was a NICU stay for my baby and three hospitializations and three surgeries for myself that ended us up in trouble. Even with insurance, there are tons of bills here and there for varying amounts and every one wants their money NOW. It would be easier if it was all on one bill, then I could work out a reasonable payment plan.

I have never been rude to CAs, and have never experienced some of the horror stories I see here. But I have been pushed to the point that I have made promises that I can't fullfill and thus end up over extended and have NSF fees on my checking account.

For the most part, you will find that people here are trying their best to pay their bills and get out of the debt trap.

Most of us just want to be treated with respect and dignity, not like criminals.

A simple technique is not to talk to them unless and until they identify themselves fully: the full name of the person who called, the company they work for, the state that company is chartered in, and a complete street (not p.o. box) address. They almost never want to tell you all that. If they give you stuff about it, just tell them, "hey, you called me, you want me to talk to you, just answer my questions." They will usually hang up on you.

I've asked these questions and they have hung up on me. It seems to me that don't have the legal basis to collect in my state when this happens.

Ash, some of the people youre calling dont owe money and after having their credit destroyd, harrased at work and home by someone who is only after a comission... you can bet your butt theyre rude!