Colletion agency harrassing me

[Csthreatt]

What is the name of your state? Ca
I live in California .. and this collection agency that calls itself an audit and investigation division of a bank is called me and ask to speak with either me or my lawyer someone took the message and gave it to me.. just then they called my brothers house and was asking my sister in law what type of work I do and all types of questions. (Being rude to her) .. This is the first time they have ever tried to contact me since this account has just been turned over to them.

Are they allowed to be rude like this and I not comment?

Will they accept a payment?

If not, what do I do?

 

[Ladynred]

"Audit and Investigation division" ??? Sounds just like WFNNB, they were harassing me earlier this year.. over a Victoria's Secret account. The woman who kept calling me insisted on calling herself 'investigator so-and-so".. just another threatening-sounding ploy.

Unfortunatley they are allowed to contact other people to get information about you, but they are NOT allowed to discuss your account with anyone but you. That would be a violation of the FDCPA. Rudeness and verbal abuse are also violations and you can sue them for their violations.

I'd go read the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) over at FTC.gov and learn what they can and can't do, as well as what YOU can do to deal with them. Go to www.ftc.gov, then Consumer Protection, then Credit, look for the Act there.

Will they accept a payment ? Sure.. money is the ONLY thing they want. Should you decide to pay them do NOT let them bully you into giving them your bank info over the phone or cave into their 'pay me right now' tactics.. their specialty is intimidation. Don't send them a personal check either, send a money order or cashiers check should you decide to send them money. If you can't afford to pay them what they demand, and they will demand, get their address and mail them (certified rrr) a payment plan that you CAN afford. You can also send them a Cease and Desist letter telling them not to call you at home or at work, and that they can ONLY contact you through the mail. By law, they must comply.

I'd tell your inlaws NOT to answer any of their questions and if the collector is rude and abusive at that, give your inlaws a copy of the FDCPA restrictions on abuse and have them read that to the collector on the phone.. usually they'll back off.

 

[baylorbear]

Because they have called your bro-in-law, let them know you have that conversation on tape (if permitted in CA), and let them know they violated the law. Invite them to sue you, because you will submit the tape of them breaking the law. There is a high percentage, they will leave you alone.

BTW, how much was the debt?

I love playing with these fools.

 

[Csthreatt]

collection agency harrassing me

Thank you, thank you, thank you ... ladynred/baylorbear ...

I value your information and will do exactly what you said ...

The debt is about six hundred something .. but the only reason they called my brothers house is because I put it down on my application as a work#... but still once she told them I could not be reached there and I didnt work there .. I could see why they would continue to be rude and ask questions she wasnt going to answer anyway ... But with ladynred's insight I can understand theyre just trying to get info ... I do plan on taping all my convo's with them .. but I am reluctant in calling them because I dont want to say the wrong thing.

I will keep in touch ... and post the progress .. Thank you again.