Annoying Collection Agencies

I'm curious how everyone handles an annoying collection agency?

For me, I don't trust their phone calls because of all of the phone scammers that are out there. Like I'm going to take you seriously because you called me on the phone and won't give me your name or phone number so I can verify your information.

Luckily, I have dealt with those people and I don't really have any outstanding bills that I am called about.

Well, I've had a few of these calls and I have to say these people can be downright hostile.

I remember one instance where I kept trying to explain to this guy who had called me about a debt collection call and that he would call the police to have me arrested if I didn't make some form of payment. I simply hung up on the guy.

It's funny how collection agencies aren't supposed to say things like that since it violates Federal law concerning debt collectors.

There is also a statute of limitations on debt collection. Usually it is three years. I know in NC If a private debt is not collected within three years they can't take you to court and win collection on it.

Yeah, but, with debt ... they just keep on filing every year so that it stays on the books.

lendmeflight2 wrote:There is also a statute of limitations on debt collection. Usually it is three years. I know in NC If a private debt is not collected within three years they can't take you to court and win collection on it.

The statute of limitations for debts varies from state to state -- here in CA it is 4 years. The site below gives details on the statute of limitations for debts for each state:

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-by-State.html

I had a recent ecperience with one of those...
Go to the Federal Trade Commision website and it will tell you what they can and can not so and how to stop it. Report the collection agency that is practicing illegal practices.
All you have to do is send them a letter (signed reciept) telling them to not contact you about this debt anymore. CC the FTC. It stopped mine. I contacted the original debt and made arrangements to pay very little every month. They were happy to get anything.

Another trick the collection agencies try, is to tack on old debts. It is called "Scavenger Debt collecting practices." And they will try. DON'T pay anything on any debt then - if you do, you are saying you are liable for it, no matter how old it is. They will usually lump them together with a new number - don't pay on that new case number, or it goes back on your record.
That's when you contact them, again - signed reciept so they can not say they never got the mail, and ask them for proof of the debt, and DATE of the debt, and not to contact me about it again. Never stating if it is or is not valid. I did it, and I never heard from them again. I also CC's the legitimate debt, and the FTC. I also reported the agency to the FTC - it's illegal.

Thanks for the advice, I'll do that.