Dirty Tricks Debt Collectors Play

Money/Finances - Debt/Debt Relief

By: BonnieDossKnight 04-Jun-2011

Introduction:

Debt collectors are notorious for hounding, harassing and playing dirty tricks even when we don't owe the money. They listen selectively when we try to explain they have the wrong person and threaten to have us thrown in jail.

Even if we are behind on our bills, we have a right to fair and courteous treatment. It's time to fight back!

The Wrong Person

I keep getting phone calls from a recording who is threatening someone with the same last name as mine, but they are calling the wrong person. Since it is a recorded message I have no recourse except to hang up and hope they eventually tire of pushing the button that rings my phone.

If it had been a live person I could have obtained the collector's name and address. By law, the consumer has 30 days to write the collection agency and request verification that the debt is theirs. Send the letter registered mail.

The collection agency, again by law, must send the name and address of the company where the money is owed. If the debt belongs to another person, the agency must cease their efforts to collect.

Threat to Garnish Wages

They teach this one in bill collector school. The debt collector tries to bluff you by threatening to garnish your wages. Know this: wages can only be garnished by the original creditor, who must take you to court and win a judgment against you.

For this reason, never give personal information such as your bank account number, so that scam artists rip you off.

Threats of Jail

Dirty debt collectors can threaten 'till the cows come home, but owing money is not a crime. There no longer exist debtor's prisons.

Tell them his behavior is illegal and you're going to report him to the state attorney general's office. Then, do it.

Collection Calls at Work And/Or Late at Night

Dirty bill collectors harass you at work, call you late at night and call other people, including your boss. By law, collection calls must be confined to the hours between 8:00 AM and 9 PM. They must honor a written request to stop calling, except to inform if the original creditor intends to take action, such as filing a lawsuit.

They may contact third parties in attempt to obtain your telephone number and address, but they are bound by law not to divulge details about your debt.

Again, send a registered letter to the collection agency that you intend to file a complaint with your state attorney general if they do not quit calling immediately.

Threat to Ruin Your Credit

Bill collectors will threaten to ruin your credit, even to the extent of calling your mortgage holder and other lenders.

If you truly owe the money and cannot or do not pay, the debt will reflect on your credit report. But, if it is not your debt, you can file a dispute with the collection agency. In the event the agency verifies the debt is not yours to pay, it is up to you to contact the national credit bureaus and ask them to correct your credit report.

Final Thoughts

Sad but true, I once was married to a dirty debt collector, so I know of what I speak. Do not let them continue to intimidate and threaten you. Take action!

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Comments

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goodselfme 6/11/2011
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Wow, what a startling list.I had no idea these went on as you described so well.
jseven 6/5/2011
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True and you can out a stop order on them calling that is legal.
litetender 6/5/2011
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Glad I'm still one step ahead of this guy!
MiddleSister 6/5/2011
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Yikes. You can't squeeze blood from a stone. Do these mean tactics actually work?