I need to check on this company. I have been hospitalized for a smashed tibia and fibula. Things have been crazy and one of my bills made it to this collection agency. I told them I could start paying them in three weeks. Then I had a woman call me and tell me I didn't take make this agreement. I then thought it was a different company and new I couldn't make another payment of the same size and told her I could pay a smaller amount. Then she told me I had already made an agreement of the original amount. I then realized she was lying to me. They also want the routing number for my checking account with my agreement so they can put it through on that date. Well I don't trust them. Should I??
Sub: #71 posted on Thu, 12/06/2007 - 16:30
Sub: #72 posted on Wed, 01/02/2008 - 11:03
Sub: #73 posted on Thu, 01/31/2008 - 14:53
Sub: #74 posted on Wed, 02/06/2008 - 19:04
I recieved a call from Pinnacle tonight. I didn't answer the phone because I did not recognize the phone number.
1. I've worked as a bill collector before (for AT&T) I know that the job is frustrating and that people lie, and you hear the sob stories over and over again. But if you can't do the job within the bounds of the law, find a different job.
2. Everyone knows that the best deal is to just pay your bills, but get real, when the choice is between paying for groceries and paying for an old cell phone, guess which one most people will choose?
3. the economy sucks at the moment. Tons of people that entered into a credit agreement thinking they had a good job and could afford it are working behind the counter at 7-11 just trying to keep from losing the electricity. that's life, it happens. Not having the ability to pay does not immediately translate into intentionally defrauding a company.
4. even if the company will not enter into a repayment agreement with you, you have the right to send them whatever type of payment you can afford. they don't have to agree to it. Keep very good receipts if you do this and if they do take you to court it significantly reduces how favorably the judges will look at the collection company- send it return receipt. If they cash the check they have pretty much agreed to the repayment terms, if they don't accept it then pretty much any judge will look at any attempt to take you to court with consistent (that's the trick) payments being attempted, regardless of how small they are, as harassing.
5. there is a percent of income limit which is different from state to state on how much can be garnished by DC. It's usually around 25%.
6. keep a log of every phone call that reaches your house after 9pm or before 8am. These calls are all illegal.
7. Keep a record of the name of every person you talk to along with any insults, fowl language, or put downs that they may choose to use. These are illegal.
You may have had a problem paying the full balance but that does not make you a dead beat. If all you can send is 10 a month, then send that, eventually it will pay it off, and in the mean time it really does help keep you from looking bad to a judge if this company really is stupid enough to ever want ANY real contact with the court system and you.
finally, there is NO WAY that a company can garnish your wages, bank account, or any other money, without taking you to court. no company that works this hard to make sure that it's employees are ignorant of the law WANTS the courts to hear from the harassment victims.
If I can't pay my bill, that may make me poor a bad credit risk, or whatever, but a DC that makes the choice to use harassing techniques is choosing to be illegal at that moment.
It is my opinion that every company that sets itself up to collect on debts should be required by law to train their employees in the nuances of the fdcpa so that some of the idiocy that we've read in this thread can be avoided. debt collectors have the right to know what laws regulate their profession. I've seen some companies that really tried to keep their employees in the dark so that they would be more forceful.
Sub: #75 posted on Wed, 02/06/2008 - 19:35
When they charged me $big bucks for a cc payment over the phone because, they pushed the button after I said I did not want it done that way,,, They did rectify the situation. But, because of hearing that they were dishonest and did not dealing online in the way of online payment center... I went back to the original creditor/ the one I owed the funds to and paid them off. And they are still calling me. I am calling the recovery department at the original center and letting them know my disgust with the actions of this so called credit bureau. I won't pay Pinnacle another dime. I will go back and pay the original if ever I get in a situation with them.
Just something that I have to do.
Take care and be debt free someday!
getfreeb
Sub: #76 posted on Fri, 03/21/2008 - 17:07
Sub: #77 posted on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 14:19
The only solution I have time for right now is to block all the telephone numbers associated with Pinnacle through my phone company.
You can give me lectures all you want on paying my debt... but you're wasting your time. I don't have debt, only a new telephone number that is still on Pinnacle's calling list. Lucky me!
Sub: #78 posted on Sat, 03/29/2008 - 17:16
Now on to my statement
First of all, no offense, you owe this bill and unfortunately it is in collections. Yes you are right, the human element is in play in the collection world. As you have to agree it is in any field. No I do not believe you were handled completely proper. Although, PFG is a 3rd party debt collection company, and they have clients to answer to also, not to mention many governing bodies of the government. In the world we live in.. maybe not you..but in the world we live in a majority of people in collections will stall with an unsecured plan. For some reason when a collection company requests it, and I underline request not demands. All of the sudden it unheard of and shady, But when you make a reservation at a hotel and they require a credit card its not. Stay with me now, hear me out, you want to scroll down it a temtation. This company of you would have done your homework, is licenced and bonded in that State of Minnesota ( mind you the AG in this state dislikes collectors therefore they are strict ). With that in mind they are bound to protect your information and to uphold the laws that protect you. Such as: National Privacy Law, fdcpa, and uncountable financial laws. Many audit are done on a bonded company in Minnesota. Now with that said, when you write a check and give it to the everyday unbonded unlicenced cashier at any store, gas station, or even your land lord; are you not giving the same information unprotect to them. Your routing number and account number are on that....
Ok now back on your side..This is what I would do...I would do this with any collection company. Step one: Is the company listed in their state commerce department feel free to go as far as to call the commerce department but you only need to go online. I know PFG is listed in Minnesota. If so you are safe, also if you have to only give you debt card, this is why. Most banks I know Bank Of America and Wells Fargo do, can create you temporary debt card number for that one day. So you never have to give accual information but that over board I think. Three: if the individual collection is to rough talk to a supervisor. Although odds are they will want a secure arrangemnt..Four: In writing is a good thing, I know I would respond to this request in minute per fax if you complied with it. Five: did everyone forget about the age old wester union and money gram. Yes you pay a fee but no info to you. Lastly, and most collector will respond well if you tell them why, Magic word lets do a good faith payment.
To answer the credit question...You creditor have a right to know about your previous delinq... But if you have to know despute the paid ones and they will go away most of the time..Just make sure you dispute them with all 3 credit reporting agencies at one time.
Sub: #79 posted on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 00:17
Sub: #80 posted on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 08:21