Posted on April 2, 2009 at 1:13 am Next time a collection agent calls, put them on speaker phone and say that your lawyer is in the room listening in on the conversation.  Most likely, the person will behave themselves and act civilized.  What do you think?  What's the most extreme thing you've done when a collection agent called?

Posted on April 2, 2009 at 1:11 pm Once  a collector tried to bully me into giving out my bank account info so she could charge my payments and collect.  I tried to explain that I didn't have a bank account and she just kept chanting, "What is your bank account number?" over and over again. I put her on holdand didn't pick up again cause I didn't have anything else to say.  What more could be done?  I was making payments and only late, so I didn't have to put up with the abuse.  I paid off that debt and they still cheated me out of money by tacking on a bogus late fee costing me $17 additional dollars. The next person that I dealt with at the company was very polite and helpful when I explained that I had paid off my debt and wanted to dispute the erroneous charge.

Posted on April 3, 2009 at 1:54 pm If a collector calls and you answer, and they're being rude, I would tell them that the conversation is being recorded. Most often, they'll hang up. If they leave nasty messages, I would save them, send them a certified letter informing them of my intent to sue if they don't cease and desist.  These messages can be used as evidence against them in court. The fine is $1000 per violation.

Posted on April 3, 2009 at 2:02 pm wow! we can do that?well, from now i will record everytime they do that and after i got total 10k-100k i will sue them.haha...

Posted on April 3, 2009 at 2:11 pm Another good way is to tell them at the beginning of the conversation that this call is being recorded and ask them if they mind.

Posted on April 4, 2009 at 2:30 pm Good idea about the recording. Never thought of that!

Posted on April 6, 2009 at 11:18 am I've never had a collection agent visit myhome.  In the US they are not allowed to do that.  And, they cannot legally call a person's employer, either. Not in the US.  In some other places, they have different rules, so it's important to be informed.

Posted on April 6, 2009 at 11:28 am Though I am at fault I do not want to be treated as criminal like some debt collectors are currently doing to the debtors.  Your ideas are definitely a welcome.  I have undergone harassment when these debt collectors knock on my door and I don't the money to pay.   

Posted on April 6, 2009 at 1:30 pm Collection agents as we all know, do not have any real authority. They've very good in acting like they do. Why get into shouting matches if you can avoid it? It's not worth it to ruin your day, by allowing a collector to treat you badly. If you know your rights under the FDCPA, do everything in writing, and you'll make more progress than dealing with some rude agent over the phone.

Posted on April 7, 2009 at 8:18 pm good idea of that recording thing .. its special . thanks mod