I realize that alot of people are terrified by these collectors, and I mean no disrespect. But I actually find these bill collectors entertaining and not in the least intimidating. For one example I got a call from a collector in the evening and had some friends over and we all broke out in song i think it was "OH DANNY BOY" the dip actually applauded us as we hung up on him.I know this isint exactly helping my credit problem but I don't think talking to these idiots on the phone will help it much either. Thanks
Told that to a collection manager 12/20. Received phone calls several times since then. Not to mention I sent a letter stating not to call CRRR. Picked it up 12/28, they called again 12/29 and left msg. on machine.
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph There was an episode of Seinfeld where Jerry toyed with a telemarketer. I believe he asked for the callers name and home phone number so he could call him back to chat sometime. OR - If you have kids, put them on the phone. The younger the better, preferably one who is able to speak. I think one of my kids did this at about age 3. Very interesting conversation. If I remember correctly, the nice caller hung up before I was able to make it to the phone. LOL I also changed the message on my answering machine once to something like this: (I never have my name or phone # on my message) Hello, Thank you for calling. I am not able to take your call right now. If you do not know me, I will not return your call unless you leave your name, phone number, and the reason for your call. If you know me, please leave a message at the beep. Thanks! This actually worked! I did not receive any more of those " Terri, It is very important that you call this number before 9 pm today. "
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph Breeze, Great minds think alike! You posted the 3 year old idea while I was writing the same thing!
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph Hey, I'll bet I could fund my both kids's college accounts by simply taping my 3 year old son (almost 4) jabbering about the world at length and selling that to people who are trying to avoid collectors. He's absolutely incredible and can wax and wane endlessly about topics as diverse as Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc., the highest number, why it's important to be careful with forks and knives, why Zaboomafoo is better than Blues Clues, how much he likes macaroni, which dog is the best, why Sam Coker is nice but Ethan is not, [shall I continue?]... He is a total joy (except when he doesn't want to leave the mall, etc., etc.), but I do think he may be missing his calling as a professional CA irritant. Thoughts? Doc
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph These ideas are great. Most importantly because it's a radical shift in our thinking. Once we sit and read these ideas, think about them, and now see that we're really in charge. I mean, let's step back and put this in proper prespective. Some person is calling and basically begging you to pay some supposed debt. and when they don't immediately get their way, they tend to become abusive like a little kid on a playground. Now, as adults we watch little kids all the time pulling these temper tantrums and we just laugh because it is so absolutely hilarious. and yet, those poor people at the collection agencies get to do this for a living because they never could get a real job. Who's the poor sap here? they are. So you can keep the phone connected and have some fun. Or you can change the phones around and try to ignore them. but the most important point of all this is that, to truly fix all this, you need a bit of space, perspective, and some new knowledge. and we'll help you deal with these guys on terms they don't normally see from the average consumer. Armed with an inpenetrable armor of resolve, they can't "bug" you anymore even when you do decide to talk with them. And armed with knowledge, you can bust them at their own game when they screw up. You can send a validation letter. Later you can send a cease and desist. those calls legally have to stop after one of those letters. You have more power than you ever realized.
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph Marie, Good points! Thanks, I need to be reminded of that from time to time. Also, if a collector really behaves badly and breaks the law, call an attorney. That really works! That was the most fun I had in all of 2001!
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph Doc, obviously, your son is gifted! Start promoting the tape now!
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph ***Send these to your favorite collector*** Warning....funny pranks enclosed in link http://www.prankplace.com/envelopes.htm
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph Pay those collections with real fake money!!! ROFLMFAO!!!! http://www.prankplace.com/funnymoney.htm
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph When they call say "Hey, you mind if I record this call?" They're so aware that they break the law all the time that they'll hurry to hang up the phone before a FDCPA violation comes spewing out of their piehole.
Re: Need help - can't answer the ph LOL. Ingenue, I would suggest that you not ask permission ("Hey, you mind if I record this call?"). Instead, simply inform them ("Hey, I'm taping this call in case I need to take notes later.") Once informed, and you have that notification on tape as well obviously, you meet the requirements of every state no matter where you or the CA resides: http://www.rcfp.org/taping/quick.html That site is great, by the way. Here's the front page: http://www.rcfp.org/taping Doc
In light of another thread and in the interest of being consistent in my own life, I retract my last post agreeing with a suggest way to offset collection agencies. The suggestion sounds funny, but in retrospect I think it would be inappropriate.
