Dealing with collection criminals
Date: Fri, 06/23/2006 - 12:34
1. I have found it beneficial to document every incoming call, logging day of the week, date, time of day, name of the caller, name of the company, city and state from which the call is made, physical addresses if given, and any pertinent details of the conversation (e.g., "That person doesn't live here. Don't ever call here again".) That last tidbit will likely be ignored, but that's okay. It is documentation and information that you'll need on your record sheet.
2. I usually call them back on the toll free numbers they provide, demanding that they stop the calls and documenting all details as above. It is also good to log every toll free number they ask you to use.
3. If there is a chance that they actually have a legitimate cause which you should clear up, have them prove the debt my mail and deal with it by check or money order. But NEVER give them access to your bank account.
4. Stay abreast of the laws in your state about taping any conversations you might have with your tormentors.
5. Visit the web sites of the BBB, the FTC, and also your own state Attorney General. You might eventually need to contact them for help or input.
6. Don't bother to hire a lawyer unless you plan to go after serious money in a matter of harassment, etc. That will cost you a pile of bucks and you will probably be just as angry with your own lawyer before the case is over. If you have done your own homework leading up to the finish line, you shouldn't need one anyway.
7. It is tremendously helpful to post streeet addresses of the various collection houses on sites such as this one. Companies don't like to give out physical addresses, maybe fearing direct reprisals from irate people who have had unfortunate dealings with them. So they often use post office boxes instead. I don't like to send registered mail to PO boxes. I prefer to send them to company headquarters, and only to physical street addresses.
I wish to thank those who have provided me with useful information about allied interstate, Cavalry Portfolios and others.
Luck to all.
2. I usually call them back on the toll free numbers they provide, demanding that they stop the calls and documenting all details as above. It is also good to log every toll free number they ask you to use.
3. If there is a chance that they actually have a legitimate cause which you should clear up, have them prove the debt my mail and deal with it by check or money order. But NEVER give them access to your bank account.
4. Stay abreast of the laws in your state about taping any conversations you might have with your tormentors.
5. Visit the web sites of the BBB, the FTC, and also your own state Attorney General. You might eventually need to contact them for help or input.
6. Don't bother to hire a lawyer unless you plan to go after serious money in a matter of harassment, etc. That will cost you a pile of bucks and you will probably be just as angry with your own lawyer before the case is over. If you have done your own homework leading up to the finish line, you shouldn't need one anyway.
7. It is tremendously helpful to post streeet addresses of the various collection houses on sites such as this one. Companies don't like to give out physical addresses, maybe fearing direct reprisals from irate people who have had unfortunate dealings with them. So they often use post office boxes instead. I don't like to send registered mail to PO boxes. I prefer to send them to company headquarters, and only to physical street addresses.
I wish to thank those who have provided me with useful information about allied interstate, Cavalry Portfolios and others.
Luck to all.
Frederick, the information provided by you is very helpful. You
Frederick, the information provided by you is very helpful. You can help many others here with your valuable advice. Why not join us in the forum and stay a while? :) It will be fun.
Dealing with collection criminals
I guess I stopped Cavalry Portfolios from calling, but regarding allied interstate, there is a new development. They won't sign for certified mail.