posted on March 13, 2001 11:30:52 AM new
Does anyone know who you contact if creditors are harassing you? A friend of mine (really!!) has been called repeatedly at work. He has told the person not to call him there but it keeps happening.
posted on March 13, 2001 12:52:52 PM new
I speak from experience - You need an attorney for these problems. They will lie and harrass you but not your attorney.
Notice how often in the matterial xardon
gave it mentions an attorney? - There are reasons they expect you to have one.
[ edited by gravid on Mar 13, 2001 12:55 PM ]
posted on March 13, 2001 01:14:32 PM new
And it depends if the "creditor" is a collection agency or a business etc -vs- a private party such as a friend, relative, neighbor etc.
A private party does have more freedom to contact the debtor than a business. They have more freedom but there is a line they should not cross either.
posted on March 13, 2001 01:43:46 PM new
We always found that either paying off the debt or working with the creditor, will keep them from harassing you. Tell your friend that unless the debt is not his/hers, their best bet is to make some sort of payment arrangement, and get it in writing. This will keep them from getting bothered at work/home/etc. If a large number of creditors are bothering your friend, you might suggest credit counseling as this too will stop the calls.
posted on March 13, 2001 02:00:41 PM new
One of the best things to do is get a hold of your local United Way agency.They have a branch called Consumer Credit Counseling.The service is free.They help sort out your bills ,contact creditors,and make payment arrangements.Then you pay them (C.C.C.)They then send the payments out to the persons you owe money to.No more harrassing phone calls.
Sending a cease and desist all telephone contact letter to the offending creditor(s) can actually do the trick. Just be sure that you send it to the correct dept. Send it certified mail and keep a copy for yourself.
Oh, one more thing, be very cautious about credit counseling services. Many are financed by the banks and credit card companies and DO NOT advise in your best interests.
I have to say that the new bankruptcy laws, in the face of a diving economy and a BOATLOAD of home equity loans is mean spirited.
I am a small business owner, I have decent cash flow because I rent gear to supplement my own, but as the economy dwindles it's going to be painful to watch a lot of businesses and folks hassle with this.
I know that to get them off your back all you have to do is get something to them in writing.
Also if anyone ever calls you up and leaves a message which threatens you, don't delete it!
My ex-ex-boyfriend had a catastrophic job loss and they were on him badly. One lady called and left a terrible message. Because of this he was able to negotiate pennies on the dollar for the outstanding loan.
The collectors are dogs. Let's face it they are on commission and they are hungry animals. Say nothing. Don't let them threaten you or scare you.
I hope more people email/write/call their senators regarding this bill.
Small and medium sized business/people will be unfortunately treated.
Yes I agree, budget, live withing your means...blah blah...I do it, but I managed to get into the Seattle housing market before it got nightmarish. But, catastrophic illness, accidents, job loss...these affect everyone.
posted on March 13, 2001 07:39:55 PM new
Oh yea, RB is right...these companies, like your credit reporting agencies, answer really to Credit Card companies.
don't kid yourself. My friend (the ex-ex) wasn't even accepted into one because he didn't make enough money to pay bare minimum.
He finally declared bankruptcy.
posted on March 13, 2001 11:23:24 PM new
Here's another great website I really like. And the article here is just one of many on this subject. Hope it helps.
posted on March 14, 2001 08:03:01 AM new
Thanks a lot everyone! I will pass all the useful info on to him. It's a credit card bill. The guy keeps calling him at work. He told him to stop it but he won't. Melanie
mid doesnt have smileys down real good yet, LOL