I just talked to a CSR from a collection agency - Part II

[daligirl519]

I was flamed by a couple of people for posting about this before, but here we go again.

I have been unemployed for six months. I did not get an exention on benefits, so I only got the standard 26 weeks. I have been talking to a lot of creditors, and they are giving me a lot of slack. None of them have been nasty.

When talking with these people, I always make a point of letting them know that the repubs are to blame for this unemployment mess. I have not yet had any of them disagree with me. Most of them have their own personal story.

Please - when you happen to have to talk to these CSRs - let them know what you are going through. You would be surprised at how much they identify with you. And sometimes, they can help you out a little. Also, tell them to vote in November.

That is all.

[bluerum]

1. CSR ?

[TlalocW]

3. Custard Splatterer Representative

Or Customer Service Rep.

I like my job description better.

TlalocW

[daligirl519]

4. Customer Service Representative.

[greymattermom]

2. keep your gummint

off my medicare

[jazzelle]

5. Legally, I believe you tell them once to never call you again...

and they will send you a letter and thats all they can do.

they then send it back to the creditor and you can deal with them directly.

[daligirl519]

6. That really is not the point of the post.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Gormy Cuss]

8. No one seems particularly animated on this thread.

[daligirl519]

13. I love that show. . . I just had to say it. /eom

[Kat45]

19. Early Cuyler!

:D

[Pithlet]

9. You are asking a lot.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that your experience has been positive and I hope that everything works out for you. Collection companies are never going to be a subject that's going to give many people the warm fuzzies, and that's kind of understandable.

[daligirl519]

14. I understand what you are saying. . .

However, I love to spread this message to whomever I can.

[daligirl519]

16. All I have to say is "Yikes!" Thank you all. Point of my post missed again.

[Pithlet]

18. No, I think I got what you were saying.

That collection agents are people too and aren't that bad and that some may be receptive to our message so it's worth a shot? Did I get that right? My point was just that your first thread on this probably didn't go so well simply because it's about collection agents. It's a touchy subject. And you're right, even though it can be a sleazy industry chock full of a lot of bad apples, some are just people doing their jobs. They are just human beings after all. My point was just that a lot of people are bound to have had a very bad experience with them. And some really are sleaze bags. I think they lose touch of the fact that they're dealing with human beings, know what I mean? Some have the attitude the people have brought it on themselves. Believe it or not, I've seen that expressed even here on DU by someone in a similar related profession once. I wondered if maybe it was some sort of warped defense mechanism, but still. It was shocking to read.

[Radical Activist]

20. That hasn't worked in my case.

One agency just keeps calling.

[Lost4words]

22. You have to send them a cease and desist letter sent to the company

calling you for the debt. In many cases the collector Bought your debt for pennies on the dollar and will try for the full amount you owe. Cease and desist letters only stop the calls not other actions such as seizing funds from your bank account, (oh yes they can) and further legal action etc. In time I guarantee you, it WILL get worse.

Forget about bankruptcy you pay for a lawyer for $1500. or more to be assigned a "Special Manager" of your assets and income.

The special manager distributes your assets to your creditors, usually for 3% and I have heard of much higher rates so you end up paying more and your debts are not forgiven so you cant get back on your feet, that's not their concern.

A friend got under the bankruptcy reform date and had all debts forgiven 100% You can thank republicans and more than a few democrats for that legislation.

[CoffeeCat]

10. Although I appreciate...

...your sunny take on the not-so-sunny situation in which you find yourself--you should
never "discuss" your financial situation with these people. These people are NOT your
friends. They want your money. Yes, they are human beings, and many of them are probably
struggling themselves. However, don't give them out information about your finances.

It's none of their business. They might strongarm you into revealing your current income,
or budget details. Never, ever, ever give that info out. They may say that they can't
work out a payment plan unless you disclose financial info. That's a lie. Never give
any info to these people. It will always be used against you. Plus, you don't have to
give out the info!

The nice person you get on the phone this time, may not be the person you get on the phone
the next time. Do you want to deal with an abusive jerk who can turn all of that personal
info against you, "I see you told Mary last week that you've been on unemployment for five
months. What about that income? We know you've got money. You need to start sending us
some pronto, or we're taking you to court."

This is not a game. These people are not your bowling partners. Tell them honestly what
you can afford to send, even if it is $5 a month--or nothing. Then, stick to that payment
plan.

But don't engage them or give our any information.

[bergie321]

11. Bad advice

Do not agree to a payment plan. Send them a cease and desist letter to stop them from calling you. When you get enough money to pay them, send them a letter stating that you are willing to settle the debt for 60% of what you owe as long as they promise to remove the mark from your credit reports. Get this in writing on their letterhead before sending them money by certified check and certified mail.

[daligirl519]

15. Thanks for the advice!

I pretty much know these things. Again, the point of the post is not to tell people how to deal with collection agencies, but to promote to the people in those positions an idea that there is a reason that so many people are in trouble.:-) Actually, they seem to get it.

[Lost4words]

25. I tell the story every chance I get. so I am with you on that.

Part of getting out of this hole is educating people who havent felt the impact yet. Shout the horror stories from the hightest hill to all that will listen.

[Lost4words]

23. That is correct! I have been offered 70% off but 30 of what I owe

might as well be 100%. How do you take advantage of a deal with no frikking job!

[daligirl519]

17. Regarding my "Sunny Take."

I appreciate the information that everyone has given me regarding collection agencies. I have dealt with them before when I was younger. I am a 47-year-old black female, and I know about being disrespected and taken advantage of. I am involved with three creditors who are working with me to keep my credit from going all to hell. Everyone I have talked with has been helpful and more than ready to give me everything I need in writing. I now realize that I framed these posts in the wrong way.

[Catshrink]

12. You might find some helpful information here

http://www.creditboards.com/mambo/

check out the forums. Be very careful before sending money - it can cause the date of the debt to be reset. You'll find all that here. It will take some plowing through but it's well worth your time.

[Lost4words]

21. Well there good ones and bad ones, ask then to cancel your debt.

in their meeting rooms they have cute names for you, if you heard you might not be so kind.

[truedelphi]

24. here's an important bit of info for anyone living in Calif and being hassled by

Collectors - once you have not paid on a bill for four years, that's it. The creditor cannot sue you for that amount, no matter what (Except of course for student loans.)

Right now, banks and credit card firms are desperate, so you often will be called by people who you haven't paid for a long time. Don't mess up by agreeing to send them $ 10 a month or something. Just be aware of your rights.

Tell them about the law, ask them to take you off the phone list, and if they persist in calling then talk to a bankruptcy lawyer about penalties on THEM for hassling you.