This is a question that I get asked very often…
The short answer is dont talk to them…I know that may seem like a very simple answer, but it is the basis for which you have to deal with most collection agencies…in writing…!!
Most collection agencies engage in very argumentative, threatening, abusive and non-compliant behavior. The reason that they do this is mainly to accomplish 1 of 2 things…they want to either scare you or irritate you enough that you will agree to simply pay them to go away…they have been known the even impersonate law enforcement and threaten arrest if a debt is not paid…Dont believe it…??
Watch a clip of this Dateline NBC Special with Chris Hansen:
Even if you are lucky enough to have a polite collection agency rep call you, you still must be careful…how do you know for sure that they legally entitled to collect on the debt they are calling about…?? A collection agency can legally collect on a debt in 2 ways, either they are assigned the debt, which means they are collecting on behalf of the original creditor…or they have purchased the debt, which means that the original creditor is no longer in the picture…either way, you have no way of knowing weather either scenario is true when someone simply calls you on the phone and asks for money…
Here are some basic rules:
1. Take detailed notes of who is calling…get a name, company name, and the name of the original creditor.
2. Tell them that you want them to send you a letter with all account info so that you can determine it the debt is valid
3. State that until you have and are able to review all of those details, that you contesting the validity of the debt
4. Seek the advice of a reputable professional to assist if necessary
The bottom line is this, dont engage these people over the phone. The reason they use these tactics on the phone is that they know in most cases there is no record of it. Deal with them in writing and make sure to not pay until you have verified that the debt is valid and that the company asking for payment, legally holds the account.
