Sterling Credit Corporation Harrassment of Third Parties While Collecting a Debt Ambler Pennsylvania
My Wife and have been continually receiving phone calls from a Mr Doyle at Sterling Credit (215-793-9144) seeking to speak to or locate our son, which I imagine is in regard to some money owed. I passed his initial call info on to hour son. At 36 years old he is responsible for his own debts and actions not his parents.
Several months ago when Mr Doyle called I informed him again that our son does not live with us. Every once-in-awhile he would call back and I would tell him the same thing. The calls started to become more frequent.
About a week and a half ago he called again, this time he was very rude and arragant when I told him that he did not live at our address and that I did not have his present address, phone number. I strongly informed him that I did not appreciate the calls as my wife is recovering from a stroke she suffered on March 22, and she also has a heart condition called AFib. Mr Doyle said that he would call whenever he wanted and that he would call back the next day as well. I informed that I was filing a complaint with the Pa Attorney General's office based on his using the phone to harass and annoy us for any debt that we are not responsible for.
Last night, 5/13/09, at 8:55 pm Mr Doyle called once again as I was taking a nap before going to work. Again, I informed him that I did not appreciate the calls, that our son did not live with us, and that I would again file a complaint with the AG's Office. He was very crude and rude and yes I did call him an idiot! He continued to be billigerent and badger me for my sons address, phone number and where he worked, which on all three counts I can honestly say I do not know. I finally had to hang-up as my wife was getting agitated and upset as the call continued.
Once again I will file a report with the AG's office and I am emailing and faxing a copy of this and the complaint to the President of Sterling. Should none of this work I will take legal action against them for violating my privacy and jeopardizing my wife's health.
It is quite obvious that Sterling is NOT a very sophisticated collection agency as they must rely on badgering, bullying, and harrassment of third parties to locate a possible debtor. With todays internet, and communication devices someone could be located with a little due diligence and effort.
Don
Dublin, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
John
Louisville,Kentucky,
U.S.A.
RE:
#2Consumer Comment
Fri, May 15, 2009
This will almost always work:
Step One:
Send them a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt stating:
Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting that you cease all communications with me about this alleged. This debt does not belong to me. This letter is being time stamped via Certified Mail and I can confirm receipt. I will pursue each subsequent phone call from your office with a $1,000 per incident penalty for Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations
Step Two:
Next time they call, read the following statement:
Pursuant to [your state] state law, this is to inform you that this phone call is being recorded. If you do not consent to being recorded, you need to terminate this call. Pursuant to [your state] state law, continuation of this phone call after officially being informed that it is being recorded implies consent to be recorded. This recording will be used to pursue Fair Debt Collection Practice Act violations in a court of law.