Collection agency tactics
Date: Thu, 04/30/2009 - 10:59
I had a question and was wondering if you guys could help out. Why do collection agencies use phone calls instead of sending bills / letters out?
I have received numerous calls from agencies and they simply expect me to pay a large amount of money over the telephone to a complete stranger. That's ludicrous. But I never receive bills or letters in the mail. And when I ask them to send me a statement, they never do.
And they will never share telephone numbers or addresses over the phone either. I want a statement that proves, in writing, that I owe the amount. And I want their name / address / phone number on the statement. But I never get it.
I know about 'debt validation' letters and I've sent them out. I'm just wondering why they don't simply send out invoices to begin with.
Letters get ignored and people claim "they didnt get them". Plu
Letters get ignored and people claim "they didnt get them". Plus CA's dont send invoices....they send demands. Phone calls create urgency
To the serious collector, I was once staying a weekend at my
To the serious collector,
I was once staying a weekend at my sisters house in another state. I woke up early for some strange reason and went outside for a cigarette. There was a man there from a collection agency even though the property was posted. The man was arrested for trespassing. Not in every case can you think you can show up on someones door. For instance I would like to see you show up at a Texan's house after sunset......the law in Texas is by far the best.[samebox:45aead079a="paulmergel"]i deleted that stupidity my friend.[/samebox:45aead079a]
charla_dc, I'm going to give my two-cents and try answering some
charla_dc, I'm going to give my two-cents and try answering some of your questions.
SOAPLADY is correct, CA's don't send statements, they do send demands. That said, however, a CA is required by law (the FDCPA) to send you written notification of the debt within the first five days of the initial phone contact.
Some CA's seem to think that's an option for them. It's not!
CA's are also required by law (again the FDCPA) to identify themselves properly, when they call you, and notify you they are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. They are also required by law (the FDCPA) to provide their contact information (IE mailing address, phone number) when you request this.
Again, some CA's think that is also optional for them.
You are also entitled to dispute a debt with a CA within the first 30-days of the initial contact. Some people will wait until they actually receive the initial dunning letter from the CA; however, I send one out after the first telephone conversation. As already stated, some CA's don't send out those initial dunning letters, thus trying to overshadow your 30-day right to dispute.
Personally, I would recommend sending that DV letter out right after the first phone call. It's up to you, what you decide to do, though.
If all you can get from the CA is their name you can always try Google-ing it and see what address you can find. Or, if their number shows in your caller ID, you can Google that too and sometimes find out their contact information. Or you can always ask here. Chances are, someone in this forum has had experience with just about any and all CA's that are out there.
I would recommend for you to register here on this site, there's a lot of helpful information here and a great place to come to if you do have a question. A lot of very knowledgeable people on this website always willing to help out.
