Print the value of index0
Allied Interstate Collection Agency Using Illegal Collection Practices Columbus Ohio
A few years ago I got into financial trouble because of illness. I let my Lowes bill fall behind and then could not afford to catch it up. It passed through several collection agencies and now the Statute Of Limitations is about to expire in 60 days. I talked to a rep from Allied Collections and she sounded so sleazy and would not make payment arrangements that I could afford on my meager Social Security check. Interest had run a $400 bill up to $2000 and she wanted me to pay the lump sum. I said I couldn't afford more that $40 a month because I am on Social Security, but she said that she could not accept less that $100 a month and because time was of the essence before they take further action, that if I couldn't afford that, I should send them a post dated check for good faith and she would try to get lower payments for me.
At that point my husband told me to hang up because it sounded shady. I have been getting 3 and 4 calls from Allied Collection Agency of Columbus, Ohio a day. I sent a certified letter stating that according to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 15 USC 1692g SEC 809 (b). I do not wish any more phone calls and I sent it certified, I have the signed green card so I know they got it.
They have continued to call, I get a recording telling me to call a toll free number. Is that legal? I have recorded these calls since I told them in the letter that if they continued to call I would record them and then prosecute. I understand that if someone is informed that they will be recorded that it is legal in a court of law. I don't know if it applies to recorded calls. Since they call up to 6 times a day isn't that harrassment? Does anyone have any advice?
Myrna
BLYTHEWOOD, South Carolina
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Darren
Bowersville,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Look at this
#3Consumer Suggestion
Thu, December 13, 2007
Here is a suggestion. The person above has given you some information yes. But let me be honest, I do not think it is great.
First off you owe the debt, maybe thru no fault of yours the interest came up. However that is something you have to live with. It is part of contract & binding. Asking for a validation is for cases where you think you do not owe the debt. Speaking with the original creditor is not the solution as they themselves will not speak to you becuse they have a contract with the collection agency.
Being a Bill collector myself here is what i suggest ( and i will keep it simple)
1. Fax them a letter stating that you want a partial payment agreement & explain your situations. Alternatively mail one to them.
2. Insist on speaking to a supervisor if the agents are not willing to listen.
3. Make the arrangement with them over the phone.
I would also suggest that you look into your finances, check with relatives or friends who are willing to help out & see if you can gather around 50% of the debt & settle it. Collection agencies will settle.
While on the call with them, try not getting frustrated & focus more on a resolution.
I have suggested this way out as a Validation or dispute will go no where & you will be wasting precious time. Eventually you have to get the debt paid off, niether the dispute method or contacting the original creditor will help but will be a waste of time & will accumulate more interest.
Take Care & All the best
Robert
Buffalo,New York,
U.S.A.
Harassment can be prosecuted
#3Consumer Suggestion
Thu, September 20, 2007
but you have to "put them on notice" first.
Things to do:
FIRST - Read the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act at http://ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.htm.
SECOND - send a certified letter, return receipt requested, to the DEBT COLLECTOR to dispute the debt and request written validation of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such validation or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor. Also, include a statement stating that you do not wish to be contacted again until you receive all the written debt validation information you have requested. In your case you want to clearly state that this is NOT YOUR DEBT and you should specifically ask for the following documentation:
What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Identify the original creditor;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account;
Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state;
Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent.
THIRD - Once you received the written validation information requested, contact the CREDITOR (who owns the debt) via certified mail to resolve the matter.
It is important that communication between you and this debt collector be in WRITING! So, I wouldn't not talk to them, EXCEPT to obtain an address for sending a certified, return receipt requested letter to dispute and demand validation of this alleged debt.
Good Luck.