I've read a lot here about how to deal with CAs and CRAs. How about dealing with the OC after I stop paying? Would OC start calling me? If yes, what should I say? Thinking about it, if I say something like "I can't pay now" it would be considered as admitting the debt and I cannot dispute it later as wrong, not mine, etc. Also, can I use some kind of C&D letter to stop the OC from calling me on the phone? According to FDCPA's definition '"debt collector" means any person who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of any debts, or who regularly collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, debts owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another', so the OC is not excluded, I guess. Also, how long does it usually take before they contact a CA to collect the money? I've never done it, so I wouldn't know anything about it, but based on my present financial, (un)employment, and medical condition I might need it soon. At first I thought about a BK (some of you might remember my "Bankruptcy tips needed" post. Reading this board I found out there are many other things I can do before the BK. So far I've figured out that I have to send debt validation letter(s) to the CA, not to the OC, and what type of validation I should require. I'm preparing myself for the war coming ... P.S. As stupid as it may sound ... Wouldn't the fact the I've sent even one payment to the OC be considered as admitting the debt?
FDCPA definition of a debt collector is 3rd party. OC's collecting on their own behalf are excluded. While you are arming yourself for the war ahead, check into your state's debt collection laws. Many states have a lot stronger ones. You - the consumer get to pick and choose the laws (state or federal) which are more to your benefit.
Do a search for a post I put here called "Understanding the Collection Process". It details the collection policies and procedures of most OC's. Understanding the Collection Agency (a 2 part post) gets you into the mind of the CA collector, and gives insight on how to combat them. Just get used to the term "judgement proof"
