How far can they go??

[DJF]

What is the name of your state? Rhode Island
I am out of work due to injury and it's been almost a year, we fell behind in the spring and not without some embarrassment have decided to file for bankrupcy, however we are trying to save for the retainer, which will not be until after the holidays at the very least, my problem is the persistance in which the companies can be downright rude and insulting talking to me or my wife like we're personally responsible for the national debt, we are definately not proud of our situation however we are good people, my pregnant wife has been in tears repeatedly. I'm sorry to ramble, to my understanding some of our debts have been passed off to collection agencies and some are still with the original companies for now, I guess my question is How much harrassment do we need to recieve until we can get the retainer together?? How far can collections go?? when will we need to be concerned about our home(there is no equity) and leins???? Thank You very much for any insight and help???

 

[bigun]

For 3rd party collectors, send a Cease & Desist letter saying no more contact by phone. You'll only communicate bt mail. Sned it CRRR. OC's can do pretty much what they wish. I'd just get caller id and screen calls. They can't get a lein unless they sue and win. You have to be derved with a lawsuit so you should have enough time.

 

[annefan]

Send a simple "Cease Communications" letter to each collection agency contacting you

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, if you notify the collection agency IN WRITING that you want it to cease further communication with you, the collection agency cannot communicate with you further except:

--to advise you that it is stopping its effort to collect the debt; or
--to advise you that the collection agency intends to take action, such as bringing a lawsuit against you.

This law applies whether you owe the debt or not. If you write such a letter to a collection agency, be sure it includes your name and address and, if available, the account number on the statement received from the collection agency, the date and a statement that you are exercising your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; and a statement that you want the collection agency to stop calling or writing you, or both.

Be sure to keep copies of each Cease Communication letter you send.