The FDCPA, collections, and you

[Collector08]

First let me say that the intent of my post is to provide an insight into collections and how they work. I am not here to insult, demean or otherwise put down anyone who has or has had accounts in collections. I merely want to inform and answer any questions to the best of my ability. I will not disclose which collection agency I work for or where I live. I do not know how all collection agencies work. I'm going to speak about my experience as a 3rd party collector.

 

With that having been said, I figured some of you may benefit from hearing my perspective as a collector and some what I do and what I hear.

 

First, the law that governs collections is the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) which is enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). It's designed to regulate 3rd party collectors and protect consumers (also known as debtors). Often times collectors violate the FDCPA in various ways, sometimes unintentional, other times intentionally.

 

Not all collectors are rude and intolerant. Unfortunately, there are those collectors who are like that and give collectors such as myself a bad name. No, I'm not perfect. I'm not always 100% nice 100% of the time, it just depends on the situation. I try not to belittle people or make them feel horrible. Most of the time they know they're in collections and have other problems and already feel bad. However there are some who just don't care about their debt and don't really care what happens with their accounts or their credit.

 

If you are a consumer who has an account in collections, it's up to you to know your rights to protect yourself because, unfortunately, there are debt collectors who take advantage of the fact that the average debtor knows little to nothing about the laws and try to get away with as much as they can just to get money.

 

Here are some tips that I'd like to offer to make your dealings with a debt collector easier.

 

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner. Sometimes this can lead to cases of harassment or a gray area which may or not be considered harassment under the law. When your phone rings and someone asks if you're there, don't just hang up and don't just say no and then hang up. Also don't ask them what this is regarding because they can't tell you. If they do, it's called 3rd party disclosure, which is a violation of the FDCPA. Usually they'll just say it's regarding a personal matter, a business matter, or something to that effect. They need to verify they are talking to the correct person, and simply identifying someone by name isn't good enough according to the FDCPA. They may ask you for your current mailing address, last 4 digits of the credit card (if it's a credit card), last 4 digits of the Social Security Number or your birthdate. Personally, I ask about their address. I know that if someone called me asking me to verify any part of my Social Security Number I wouldn't answer them either way, that's highly sensitive information.

 

Don't avoid collectors. If a collector calls and you are able to speak with them, do so. Whether you have no money to give them or have money but don't want to give it to them for whatever reason, just talk to them. Explain to them that at this time you are not in a position to give them money and they should try back again in the future. When doing this, make sure you specify a date that is good for them to contact you but make it realistic. Don't say that they should contact you in 3 months, because they're not going to wait that long. In fact, you should make it no more than a week out. Usually you'll be dealing with the same collector though there are times when you'll get calls from someone else on the same account. If you build a rapport with a collector, they might be more inclined to believe your story and find a way to work with you.

 

Try to understand where the collector is coming from. Everyday we hear stories of people who have all kinds of problems, no job, house in foreclosure, getting a divorce, was fired, was sick, the economy sucks, etc. Some of these stories are true, others are not. It doesn't really matter to the collector. Understand that the collector hears this with just about every person they talk to so if they either don't believe you or don't care, don't take it personally. We're just doing our jobs.

 

I try my hardest not to be rude with people unless it's warranted. For example, someone who identifies themselves and then tells me a story of why they can't pay, but is just being honest and up front, is not going to get me to be rude to them. However if I call someone and the first thing I hear is swearing and being told they're sick of calls and I had better stop calling them "or else...", the tone of the conversation changes. I understand that they have other things going on in their life, but don't yell at me. Remember (and this is going to sound harsh, and I apologize if it sounds that way, I really don't mean it harshly at all), you're the one who didn't pay your bill(s). I wouldn't be calling you if you had.

 

Often times collection agencies will allow you to make payment arrangements or settle. Settling will show up on your credit report as having legally settled in full for less than the original debt. Settling will help your credit but it may not help it as much as paying the balance in full. It really depends on the situation and how long it would take you to pay the balance in full versus settling. I'm not an expert on credit, though.

 

I think this post is long enough for the time being. I have stories that I'll share if anybody is interested, both good and bad ones. I'll answer any questions to the best of my ability. I know I probably walked into the "lion's den" by posting this here, but I'm not here to make anyone feel bad, I just wanted to provide some insight and perhaps help those are currently in collections and are wondering what is a violation of the law and what isn't. I'm not a lawyer but I am a collector so I have to be aware of the laws that surround me. If I don't, then I could be sued as well as my company.

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[pryan67]

First let me say that the intent of my post is to provide an insight into collections and how they work. I am not here to insult, demean or otherwise put down anyone who has or has had accounts in collections. I merely want to inform and answer any questions to the best of my ability. I will not disclose which collection agency I work for or where I live. I do not know how all collection agencies work. I'm going to speak about my experience as a 3rd party collector.

 

With that having been said, I figured some of you may benefit from hearing my perspective as a collector and some what I do and what I hear.

 

First, the law that governs collections is the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) which is enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). It's designed to regulate 3rd party collectors and protect consumers (also known as debtors). Often times collectors violate the FDCPA in various ways, sometimes unintentional, other times intentionally.

generally it's intentional or due to the lack of knowledge on the part of the collector....face it...the training they receive isn't stellar...

Not all collectors are rude and intolerant. Unfortunately, there are those collectors who are like that and give collectors such as myself a bad name. No, I'm not perfect. I'm not always 100% nice 100% of the time, it just depends on the situation. I try not to belittle people or make them feel horrible. Most of the time they know they're in collections and have other problems and already feel bad. However there are some who just don't care about their debt and don't really care what happens with their accounts or their credit.

I disagree....the VAST majority of collectors I've dealt with or have helped others with ARE rude and intolerant....if you're the one good one in the bushel....that's great to hear...

 

If you are a consumer who has an account in collections, it's up to you to know your rights to protect yourself because, unfortunately, there are debt collectors who take advantage of the fact that the average debtor knows little to nothing about the laws and try to get away with as much as they can just to get money.

exactly...MOST of the CAs will do that...and in fact, will even try to do so to those of us that DO know the law...by violating FDCPA

Here are some tips that I'd like to offer to make your dealings with a debt collector easier.

 

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner. Sometimes this can lead to cases of harassment or a gray area which may or not be considered harassment under the law. When your phone rings and someone asks if you're there, don't just hang up and don't just say no and then hang up. Also don't ask them what this is regarding because they can't tell you. If they do, it's called 3rd party disclosure, which is a violation of the FDCPA. Usually they'll just say it's regarding a personal matter, a business matter, or something to that effect. They need to verify they are talking to the correct person, and simply identifying someone by name isn't good enough according to the FDCPA. They may ask you for your current mailing address, last 4 digits of the credit card (if it's a credit card), last 4 digits of the Social Security Number or your birthdate. Personally, I ask about their address. I know that if someone called me asking me to verify any part of my Social Security Number I wouldn't answer them either way, that's highly sensitive information.

better yet...dont' talk to them on the phone...the consumer has NOTHING to gain by talking to the CA on the phone...if the CA won't put everything in writing...it's a safe bet that they're lying to you...

 

there's absolutely no law that says a consumer can't lie to a CA...

 

 

Don't avoid collectors. If a collector calls and you are able to speak with them, do so. Whether you have no money to give them or have money but don't want to give it to them for whatever reason, just talk to them. Explain to them that at this time you are not in a position to give them money and they should try back again in the future. When doing this, make sure you specify a date that is good for them to contact you but make it realistic. Don't say that they should contact you in 3 months, because they're not going to wait that long. In fact, you should make it no more than a week out. Usually you'll be dealing with the same collector though there are times when you'll get calls from someone else on the same account. If you build a rapport with a collector, they might be more inclined to believe your story and find a way to work with you.

I agree here...don't avoid them...but also don't take their calls...again...the consumer stands to gain NOTHING by using the phone...

 

 

Try to understand where the collector is coming from. Everyday we hear stories of people who have all kinds of problems, no job, house in foreclosure, getting a divorce, was fired, was sick, the economy sucks, etc. Some of these stories are true, others are not. It doesn't really matter to the collector. Understand that the collector hears this with just about every person they talk to so if they either don't believe you or don't care, don't take it personally. We're just doing our jobs.

unfortunately...."your job" is often done in violation of the law...and your job is specifically to harrass and intimidate people into paying something that may or may not be owed...and that 99.9999% of the time, the CA can't prove

I try my hardest not to be rude with people unless it's warranted. For example, someone who identifies themselves and then tells me a story of why they can't pay, but is just being honest and up front, is not going to get me to be rude to them. However if I call someone and the first thing I hear is swearing and being told they're sick of calls and I had better stop calling them "or else...", the tone of the conversation changes. I understand that they have other things going on in their life, but don't yell at me. Remember (and this is going to sound harsh, and I apologize if it sounds that way, I really don't mean it harshly at all), you're the one who didn't pay your bill(s). I wouldn't be calling you if you had.

not true...often the CA is calling someone that does NOT owe the money....or at least nowhere near what the CA is demanding....

 

 

regardles....even if the consumer is rude to you....doesn't mean FDCPA doesn't still apply...

 

Often times collection agencies will allow you to make payment arrangements or settle. Settling will show up on your credit report as having legally settled in full for less than the original debt. Settling will help your credit but it may not help it as much as paying the balance in full. It really depends on the situation and how long it would take you to pay the balance in full versus settling. I'm not an expert on credit, though.

actually, paying a CA generally HURTS your credit...

 

 

I think this post is long enough for the time being. I have stories that I'll share if anybody is interested, both good and bad ones. I'll answer any questions to the best of my ability. I know I probably walked into the "lion's den" by posting this here, but I'm not here to make anyone feel bad, I just wanted to provide some insight and perhaps help those are currently in collections and are wondering what is a violation of the law and what isn't. I'm not a lawyer but I am a collector so I have to be aware of the laws that surround me. If I don't, then I could be sued as well as my company.

 

 

 

Welcome to the board.....I hope that everyone here behaves....

 

we've had more than our share of trolls here though...coming in like you have...offering information, etc...but then the worm turns...and things get ugly....

 

 

you said you're aware of the laws that surround you....that being the case...what have you done to ensure that your company abides by the law (ie doesn't report inaccurate information....which I'm SURE your company does...since I've seen MAYBE 5 total CA TLs that were accurate...out of thousands)

[breeze]

Ditto what pryan said - do not talk to collectors - get everything in writing. Most of them would rather lie than tell the truth.

[Duccini]

First let me say that the intent of my post is to provide an insight into collections and how they work. I am not here to insult, demean or otherwise put down anyone who has or has had accounts in collections. I merely want to inform and answer any questions to the best of my ability. I will not disclose which collection agency I work for or where I live. I do not know how all collection agencies work. I'm going to speak about my experience as a 3rd party collector.

 

With that having been said, I figured some of you may benefit from hearing my perspective as a collector and some what I do and what I hear.

 

First, the law that governs collections is the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) which is enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). It's designed to regulate 3rd party collectors and protect consumers (also known as debtors). Often times collectors violate the FDCPA in various ways, sometimes unintentional, other times intentionally.

 

Not all collectors are rude and intolerant. Unfortunately, there are those collectors who are like that and give collectors such as myself a bad name. No, I'm not perfect. I'm not always 100% nice 100% of the time, it just depends on the situation. I try not to belittle people or make them feel horrible. Most of the time they know they're in collections and have other problems and already feel bad. However there are some who just don't care about their debt and don't really care what happens with their accounts or their credit.

 

If you are a consumer who has an account in collections, it's up to you to know your rights to protect yourself because, unfortunately, there are debt collectors who take advantage of the fact that the average debtor knows little to nothing about the laws and try to get away with as much as they can just to get money.

 

Here are some tips that I'd like to offer to make your dealings with a debt collector easier.

 

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner. Sometimes this can lead to cases of harassment or a gray area which may or not be considered harassment under the law. When your phone rings and someone asks if you're there, don't just hang up and don't just say no and then hang up. Also don't ask them what this is regarding because they can't tell you. If they do, it's called 3rd party disclosure, which is a violation of the FDCPA. Usually they'll just say it's regarding a personal matter, a business matter, or something to that effect. They need to verify they are talking to the correct person, and simply identifying someone by name isn't good enough according to the FDCPA. They may ask you for your current mailing address, last 4 digits of the credit card (if it's a credit card), last 4 digits of the Social Security Number or your birthdate. Personally, I ask about their address. I know that if someone called me asking me to verify any part of my Social Security Number I wouldn't answer them either way, that's highly sensitive information.

 

Don't avoid collectors. If a collector calls and you are able to speak with them, do so. Whether you have no money to give them or have money but don't want to give it to them for whatever reason, just talk to them. Explain to them that at this time you are not in a position to give them money and they should try back again in the future. When doing this, make sure you specify a date that is good for them to contact you but make it realistic. Don't say that they should contact you in 3 months, because they're not going to wait that long. In fact, you should make it no more than a week out. Usually you'll be dealing with the same collector though there are times when you'll get calls from someone else on the same account. If you build a rapport with a collector, they might be more inclined to believe your story and find a way to work with you.

 

Try to understand where the collector is coming from. Everyday we hear stories of people who have all kinds of problems, no job, house in foreclosure, getting a divorce, was fired, was sick, the economy sucks, etc. Some of these stories are true, others are not. It doesn't really matter to the collector. Understand that the collector hears this with just about every person they talk to so if they either don't believe you or don't care, don't take it personally. We're just doing our jobs.

 

I try my hardest not to be rude with people unless it's warranted. For example, someone who identifies themselves and then tells me a story of why they can't pay, but is just being honest and up front, is not going to get me to be rude to them. However if I call someone and the first thing I hear is swearing and being told they're sick of calls and I had better stop calling them "or else...", the tone of the conversation changes. I understand that they have other things going on in their life, but don't yell at me. Remember (and this is going to sound harsh, and I apologize if it sounds that way, I really don't mean it harshly at all), you're the one who didn't pay your bill(s). I wouldn't be calling you if you had.

 

Often times collection agencies will allow you to make payment arrangements or settle. Settling will show up on your credit report as having legally settled in full for less than the original debt. Settling will help your credit but it may not help it as much as paying the balance in full. It really depends on the situation and how long it would take you to pay the balance in full versus settling. I'm not an expert on credit, though.

 

I think this post is long enough for the time being. I have stories that I'll share if anybody is interested, both good and bad ones. I'll answer any questions to the best of my ability. I know I probably walked into the "lion's den" by posting this here, but I'm not here to make anyone feel bad, I just wanted to provide some insight and perhaps help those are currently in collections and are wondering what is a violation of the law and what isn't. I'm not a lawyer but I am a collector so I have to be aware of the laws that surround me. If I don't, then I could be sued as well as my company.

 

 

Pfffffftttttt..............................

[nekom]

I actually do enjoy hearing the perspective of debt collectors, I've gone out of my way to read them mainly on other forums. I do realize that not all collections agencies violate the FDCPA on a daily basis, and I do believe that stories of the ones that do are overrepresented on the internet.

 

Thank you for not coming in here on your high horse ala "YOU DEBTORS ARE ALL THE SAME, DEADBEATS THAT WON'T PAY YOUR BILLS", as so many trolls have before. We all understand you collectors are just doing your job, but you have to understand that we're all doing ours: Protecting our rights under federal, state and other laws, and protecting our credit reports from misleading derogatory information. So you go ahead and do your job, I'll keep doing mine.

 

While I doubt many in here will take your advice to heart (I'm pretty sure we'll all be sticking to certified mail, thanks), I am sure a lot of us (myself included) do appreciate your insight. Just consider that it's not well meaning debt collectors professionally trying to collect a legitimate debt that have caused most of the bad taste for the industry in general around these parts, it's junk debt buyers that call people's family members posing as attorneys, sheriffs, and god knows what else to scare them and collect debt from out-of-statute chargeoffs from the early 90's. It's collectors calling for people who don't live there and refusing to STOP calling. It's illegal reporting to credit agencies of debt that simply isn't valid. Almost everyone here has dealt with this situations or read about others who have. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

 

That being said, I certainly look forward to any more of your posts.

 

edit: Missing predicate, I fail at grammar.

Edited September 25, 2008 by nekom

[Lynn37]

Whatever a collector has to say to me; they will say it in writing. So we BOTH put our cards on the table. We are dealing with MY MONEY. The fact is MR. CA was sold my debt with 200 others, and paid next to nothing for it. But will make it look like they deserve face value for it. There is no Grey area for harassment, when you tell me you are going to have me arrested, or take my house, then we have nothing else to talk about. Bottom line if it come down to You and Me. I will WIN every time.

[TheChosenOne]

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner.

 

The subtext of these statements have an overtone of exaggerated power over the debtor. "Dont lie or we will know" type subtext.

 

I didn't know all collectors were either psychic or had a degree in psychology. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

How nice of these collectors to drop by and enlighten us on what to do!

Edited September 25, 2008 by TheChosenOne

[nhansard]

:popcorn:

 

wait, it's not friday yet is it?

[jack1212]

My response it that Validation cannot be provided by phone, therefore serving no purpose.

 

But if you truly are one of the "good ones", congrads.

 

And to echo what you said, tell the freinds in your industry not to lie to US.

 

Welcome to CB's.

 

Jack1212

[dixiedrifter]

Take away the telephone and you take away all of a debt collectors power.

[Sled_Dog]

OP is just giving some bad advice here IMHO and I respectfully disagree with OP's advice for dealing with people who call. The collectors I spoke with when I was dumb enough to answer the phone are barely one step above "would you like fries with that" skill level and I don't suffer ignorance and smile. STAY OFF THE PHONE. Do everything in writing and these are non-issues.

 

+1 to all of the replies.

[JunkBuyersWorstNightmare]

OP is just giving some bad advice here IMHO and I respectfully disagree with OP's advice for dealing with people who call. The collectors I spoke with when I was dumb enough to answer the phone are barely one step above "would you like fries with that" skill level and I don't suffer ignorance and smile. STAY OFF THE PHONE. Do everything in writing and these are non-issues.

 

+1 to all of the replies.

 

[jack1212]

I have always welcomed Collectors to the board, provided they are civil.

 

I have no problem with that.

 

But VERY FEW to NONE have made it past 10 posts.

 

Then they are never heard from again.

[Duccini]

:popcorn:

 

wait, it's not friday yet is it?

 

 

[TinyMusic]

Welcome.

 

I have trouble taking your post serious though (seeing that 75% of the info provided seems to be bad advice).

 

Hopefully you can prove me (us) wrong. I would love to hear some stories.

[longhair]

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner.

 

The subtext of these statements have an overtone of exaggerated power over the debtor. "Dont lie or we will know" type subtext.

 

I didn't know all collectors were either psychic or had a degree in psychology. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

How nice of these collectors to drop by and enlighten us on what to do!

 

 

EGGZACTLY! These people have no power at all, just hang up. If if your really want some money, just record all the calls and hit them with the violations.

[longhair]

I have always welcomed Collectors to the board, provided they are civil.

 

I have no problem with that.

 

But VERY FEW to NONE have made it past 10 posts.

 

Then they are never heard from again.

 

The twinkle in that cats eye would signify the love of reducing the size of collectors to the size of a rat, then the cat would play all day with it, and then with one final violation of the FDCPA, the cat would swallow the collector whole, after crushing his endoskeleton with a few bites all with a few drops of savory lemon jucie from the helmet

Edited September 25, 2008 by longhair

[TheChosenOne]

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner.

 

The subtext of these statements have an overtone of exaggerated power over the debtor. "Dont lie or we will know" type subtext.

 

I didn't know all collectors were either psychic or had a degree in psychology. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

How nice of these collectors to drop by and enlighten us on what to do!

 

 

EGGZACTLY! These people have no power at all, just hang up. If if your really want some money, just record all the calls and hit them with the violations.

 

Sadly, when faced with reality, collectors tend to fantasize or have illusions of grandeur. Their lives, after all, were meant for something more. A position of more power. Don't lie to us, youre just making it harder for yourself. They've all seen too many cop movies.

 

CAs and JDBs have about as much power as the homeless guy living next to the dumpster in the alley. I take that back, the homeless guy actually has more. The homeless guy can look in trash to find a CC statement to steal an identity and doesn't have to follow FDCPA.

Edited September 25, 2008 by TheChosenOne

[jack1212]

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner.

 

The subtext of these statements have an overtone of exaggerated power over the debtor. "Dont lie or we will know" type subtext.

 

I didn't know all collectors were either psychic or had a degree in psychology. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

How nice of these collectors to drop by and enlighten us on what to do!

 

 

EGGZACTLY! These people have no power at all, just hang up. If if your really want some money, just record all the calls and hit them with the violations.

 

Sadly, when faced with reality, collectors tend to fantasize or have illusions of grandure. Their lives, after all, were meant for something more. A position of more power. Don't lie to us, youre just making it harder for yourself. They've all seen too many cop movies.

 

CAs and JDBs have about as much power as the homeless guy living next to the dumpster in the alley. I take that back, the homeless guy actually has more. The homeless guy can look in trash to find a CC statement to steal an identity and doesn't have to follow FDCPA.

 

 

[Sourgirl32]

First, don't lie to a collector, it makes things worse, usually for yourself. If a collector knows you're lying, he/she will, depending on the account, try to catch you in that lie and then expose it and back you into a corner.

 

The subtext of these statements have an overtone of exaggerated power over the debtor. "Dont lie or we will know" type subtext.

 

I didn't know all collectors were either psychic or had a degree in psychology. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

How nice of these collectors to drop by and enlighten us on what to do!

 

 

EGGZACTLY! These people have no power at all, just hang up. If if your really want some money, just record all the calls and hit them with the violations.

 

Sadly, when faced with reality, collectors tend to fantasize or have illusions of grandeur. Their lives, after all, were meant for something more. A position of more power. Don't lie to us, youre just making it harder for yourself. They've all seen too many cop movies.

 

CAs and JDBs have about as much power as the homeless guy living next to the dumpster in the alley. I take that back, the homeless guy actually has more. The homeless guy can look in trash to find a CC statement to steal an identity and doesn't have to follow FDCPA.

 

 

 

LMAO!

[Annuit CÅ“ptis]

First, the law that governs collections is the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) which is enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). It's designed to regulate 3rd party collectors and protect consumers (also known as debtors). Often times collectors violate the FDCPA in various ways, sometimes unintentional, other times intentionally.

LOL, yes silly consumers aka debtors.

[powers64]

HI:

 

Thanks for the post. I would echo the appreciation that you took the time and posted in a respectful manner.

 

Let me return the favor and make some suggestions on how you can deal with debtors. First, I will tell you that i have dealt with some absolutely awful collectors and I also have dealt with some that were, as you indicated, professional, courteous and upfront in their dealings.

 

1) First, please don't expect to reach us by phone and have us agree to your terms over the phone without providing any information in writing. You would be much better off to simply confirm the address, notify us of the debt and an offer to send full validation in the mail including an exact accounting of how you calculated the amount you say we owe. The high pressure nature of the phone calls is a black mark upon your industry.

 

2) Fully disclose in all communications, how you came to acquire the debt: did you purchase it directly from the original creditor? Did you purchase it from another company?

 

3) When you purchase debts, acquire them with full documentation so that you can comply with the validation requirements of the FDCPA.

 

4) Contact the debtor prior to trashing their credit reports.

 

5) Train your employees on the FDCPA and the FCRA. Follow the letter of the law in your reporting and your communication with consumers. Collectors are the most egregious at mis-reporting on credit reports and are responsible for unfairly and illegally trashing the credit of many consumers. Hold yourself to the highest standards for reporting fairly.

 

6) Finally, please understand where we are coming from:

• First, we did not incur a debt to you. We do not owe you anything until you prove that you legitimately own the debt in question and have calculated the amount in a fair manner.
  
• Many debtors are willing and interested in making good on their debts. When it comes to collectors, the FICO system does not work in your favor. A paid collection is just as detrimental to us as an unpaid one. If you want payment, you should be willing to at least consider our requirements and the circumstances of our situation.
  
• We can't tell the 'good collectors' from the 'bad collectors'. Whether you like it or not, you are a member of an industry that will always be judged by the sleaziest of the companies in the category. The best way you can improve the industry image and help debtors pay you would be to help crack down on those in your industry who are, well, sleazy. Here is the list.
   
  bottom line: the best way to improve how receptive debtors are to your phone calls is to clean up your own industry.
  

Edited September 26, 2008 by powers64

[drkaje]

Do collectors work on commission?

[Why Chat]

I am not going to repeat the excellent advice that has already been given to rebut the OP, ( stay off the phone etc.) .

 

However the OP has given me an opportunity to say why I believe you should NEVER pay ANY CA a RED CENT .

 

The CA industry is a blight on our society, it does not create any benefit to the economy, the profit $$ it collects are by and large funneled to dubious hidden Corporate entities and are used to launder $$ from other even more nefarious occupations.

 

Most, if not all of the "collection agents" are completely unaware of the identity of the actual owners of these "businesses" whose credo, like all other rapacious scum is to get as many $$ from as many victims as possible at the least cost and trouble to themselves. If the FTC or an honest AG puts them out of business they metamorphize under another name and start up all over again.