that you are unable to take personal calls at work. Please do not call me again. Then make sure you send C&D.
Two things: Call them from home and change your work number to an invalid number (like change 2 numbers in it). or Tell them you are "not allowed to receive these kinds of calls at work".
Has anyone had success by telling collectors that you're not allowed to take these kind of calls at work? Or, do they keep calling?
That would be what NOT to do. There is one C&D in the sample section that says "do NOT contact me in any other manner than XXXX" and you should modify to specify how they should contact you. I would use my home address not my home #. Inform them IN WRITING that it is a violation of the FDCPA to contact you at work without your prior permission, and you have given NONE...also state that you have documented each and every call (that way they know you will document all future calls as well). Then if they call at work, record the time and date and record the CALL if possible. If a secretary transfers the call, have him/her note the time and date of the call and the callers name as well (for even more proof, when you sue them) Remember you want to keep EVERYTHING in writing. -Peace, Dave
Well, you can back it up in writing...but it worked for me by telling them my workplace didn't allow those calls.
Well let me count the reasons why your advice would be wrong: 1) You called them. Never call a CA. Not unless you are REAL good at knowing exactly what NOT to say and how to avoid ALL their phone traps, and few are. I know I am not. 2) You called them from home. Now with caller ID they have your home # AND your work number. The calls will get way worse now. By the way did you know that when you call an 800# you CAN NOT block the caller ID? 3) They ALREADY have your work number...so lying to them and transposing two numbers, for a phone number that they already have in front of them, will not even confuse a freshman debt collector. They do not simply erase the old number that they successfully reached you with yesterday with the number you say is your "new" work number today. 4) MOST IMPORTANTLY... They stopped calling you ... GREAT... but what if they had called you the next day. What proof have you got that you asked them to cease and desist calling you, and that if they continue calling you at work they will be continuing their violations of the FCRA and or FDCPA. That is why you need to think before you give advice on this board. Sorry to be harsh, but you need to read a bit and absorb a bit of information before you offer advice that could hurt someone. -Peace, Dave
Dave, Thanks for the advice. But, if I don't call them, how can I get their address to send a C&D letter?
Who are they? You don't need to call a CA to get their address. There are many ways to find that information out. Post their name and someone here may be able to help. If you call, they will not simply read you their address without GRILLING you for your information. If you MUST call, use a payphone. Do NOT give them any information about your account or even your name. Just ask them for their business address. Are they reporting on your credit report? (if so there is an address for dispute purposes there). -Peace, Dave
Thanks I found the address of the collection agency. Do I have to address anyone in particular, or can I say, "Dear Debt Collector" when I send my C&D letter?
NO PERSONAL CALLS ARE ALLOWED AT WORK...PERIOD!!! Don't tell them about EMERGENCY calls from kids at school (THAT ARE ALLOWED)... They will call and say this is the school calling!!!
OK, this is slightly off topic, but exactly why should he bother not letting the CA know what his phone number is? The debt is out of SOL, so he can't be sued, and a CA without the threat of a suit is powerless. I never had a problem dealing with them, and neither has anyone I've known; in fact, it's kind of funny listening to someone with a 6th grade education try to construct a credible bluff. The only concern I can come up with is if he has other debts, ones that are not out of SOL, in which case I can see where being careful would be important. Except for that reason, the only thing I can think of is that caution is generally a good habit. Anyone care to comment on this? There are probably a few people who would benefit from the explanation.
Bunter- When I get a call from a debt collector and the SOL is up, I can STILL feel my blood pressure rise when I find out who they are. It's to save you from tripping up and saying something wrong. EX: you: hey scumbag debt collector the SOL is up and I just bought a house so screw you! Debt collector: (thinking) hmmmm, I could file a suit and say they were properly serviced when really I dont do that. You 4 years from now trying to refi: why is there a judgement for $xx on my CR, I dont remember a lawsuit. Then you have to spend ALL that time researching this "case" and then PROVE you weren't serviced properly. I know its a stretch, but I really dont put anything past CA's. it was just an example!
