Karon
Ft. Meade,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, June 27, 2007
First, I'd like to say make sure that you save those messages. The collector and the collection agency may be paying you! Secondly, harassment is not defined by the law. Harassment is defined by whatever the party being harassed, feels is harassment. I am not an attorney. I collected debts for many years and NEVER had to disrespect anyone or break the law! There are laws which collection agencies and the collectors are required to abide by. It is the FDCPA, Fair Debt Collect Practices Act. Collectors and Collection agencies who do not comply with the laws are subject to being sued personally and as a company. Strat keeping very good records (in writing) of the names, times, dates and conversations. Only facts are needed, do not add any hearsay. Do not make any threats, promises or commitments for something which you cannot do. Draft a Cease & Desist letter which informs the collector and the agency that you want no further comunications from them except in writing. Mail it to them certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt with the signing partys signature, as proof the company received the letter. You can get the letter from this site: or if site is not listed when this comes out do a search for Cease & Desist Letters for collections.(http://www.bendover.com/adiosbottomfeeder.asp) Edit it with your information, of course. You may specify in the letter that this company cannot contact you at work or any numbers affiiate with your work, your neighbors, friends or any family members. Include your mailing address at which they are allowed to you. If they are going to take legal action against you, you will get notification via mail or could even be served. The company is allowed to make one last call to state they have received the letter...NOT TO HARASS YOU. Finally, if the harassment does not cease file a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and your State Attorney Generals office. Be sure to submit copies of those recorded messages they were so kind to leave you. Make sure you keep copies of everything, could turn out you can sue the agency and the collector! Best of Luck! Karon