Just had my first contact with an OC today.

you just got a customer service call, not a collection call. I can guarantee you it wont stay painless. They will start calling you daily even if you are in touch with them.

Thanks for the heads up, Soaplady...

I just wanted to know what I was in for over the next few months. They have my cell #, so I'm not worried about them calling so much, as I have it off most of the time anyway. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for all this. Only 140 or so days to go to freedom. LOL

They are not allowed to do whatever they want. There is a limit as to how painful it can be. Don't be frightened of them. Stand up for yourself.

What are you 30 days late on? a billl? a judgment? what?

It's an unsecured credit card with one of the BIG 3. I'm saving up for a 15-25 percent settlement. I just don't want them to start calling relatives, my job, etc. That's why I will stay in touch with them.

My understanding is that I should not rock the boat with any OC, be as friendly as possible with them, even if they get nasty with you up until settlement time, as you don't want to provoke them into suing you, garnishing wages, etc.

as long as you know the score. what makes you think you can get the settlement you want???

They cannot garnish your wages without first getting a judgment against you.

If they call your relatives they cannot reveal the specifics of what they are calling you about.

Well, that's all I'll be able to save up to give them. I have no assets, and my income is not very good right now. I'll just ride it out and see how it goes. There's many on here that's gotten 20 percent, even 15 percent, and my case is as dire as anybody's, so who knows what will happen. Can't squeeze blood from a rock :)

Greeting "nobills11",

"Can't squeeze blood from a rock :smile:"......but they sure as hell will try!

You're in the early phase of your settlement journey.
You'll get calls from the nice, not so nice and even from the very nasty.

You've got to plan your actions and put into action your plan.
I strongly suggest that you dive deep into the forums and read, read, read.

Best ones,
King "Kash" Jabba Labba

my situation is this: i don't want to declare bankruptcy. i need my companies to settle with me for LOW dollars. the first one that sues me, that's it, game over, bankruptcy. i have very little money. long unemployment has sucked every dime out of what used to be a very secure existence. they can have a little or they can have nuthin. it's as simple as that.

You gotta do what works for you. there is no one-size fits all solution to anything.

Good luck to ya.:D