OMG...I HATE collection agencies.

[mamawolf544]

I have HUGE medical bills, going on 10 yrs now. I have had alot of heart surgeries and even with insurance I will get big bills.

If they call me I tell them I am recording the conversation. (that gets them very upset by the way) and I tell them that they do not have my permission to contact me or another member of my family by phone. That all future matters must be in writing and mailed to me.

It works. I think it is the recording issue. One guy told me it was against the law for me to record him.

I said your recording me.

You know I pay them, but sometimes you cant pay $5000.00 at once. And they want to send stuff straight to collections. Kinda sad.

 

[NuttyForNucks]

Quote:
When I saw Capital One in your post I was finally inspired to register after reading this site for three years. Be careful with them! I too was in a collections situation with them recently and like you I was still answering my phone when they called. Until one day, when I told the man that the reason I wasn't paying my bill was because I had no money (duh!) he said, "ok, let's see what we might be able to do for you to stop the phone calls." And I waited for a few moments until I realized he'd hung up on me. Annoying, but pretty mild compared to some collections people.
And then a week later I got a letter thanking me for my payment by phone! They had my bank info from previous payments so this guy just went ahead and ran a payment through without my knowledge or consent. I had a lot of rude people to get through with them before anyone would help me and reverse the payment. When all the overdrafts from this hit, 'cause I really was broke, I called them to try to get them to take care of it and ended up as angry and frustrated as I've ever been in my life. Ultimately my bank took care of everything, as it was a fraudulent charge, but I haven't answered a call from Capital One since, and I won't, ever. I'm probably going to go Cassie's way and write them a letter explaining just why they're never going to see another dime out of me. Sorry for the ramble, but let me be a cautionary tale for you.

 

[Bluemoon420]

You have rights, and Capital One is violating them. They are NOT supposed to call you at 6am your time. If they are saying it's ok, because they are ( insert Country/State here), they are wrong and/or lying. You can send them a registered letter with the reasons why you are not to be contacted by phone. Make sure it's sent registered or certified mail, and save everything in regards to that, including whatever they may have sent you in the mail as a response. Write down times they call, and who you spoke to. Even if it's a fake name.

Here are your rights from the FTC.....

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm

Don't let them bully you, especially if it's in error. Be very leary speaking to them on the phone. It could be a scam, or it could be legit. They are recording you, and if you say anything even remotely close to an acceptance to process payment ( with or without your knowledge) they will do it.

Bluemoon






Edit...Fixed link

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Don't only ask for names.....that will do no good.....get an ID number along with a name.

The thing with Capital One also iss when you pay off you CC.....they wait 30 days before closing the account. They say that there may be other charges that havent' come in yet. Yea right!!!! thay try and pack them on themselves.


I know how you feel. I can't stand Cap. One. Someone got our number, somehow, after I ordered our first item online and CO made us pay for the charges. Said they done an investigation and that our computer was used for the transaction for make-up (which I nor anyof my girls wear and for a dating service, uh!! excuse me I am happily married and my hubby is illeterate to a comp.) I was so mad. We cut that cad up and told them to never call our # again.

Sure hope you can get this mess sorted out.

 

[jafo]

I didn't read the entire posts here, but legally, you have to write them, not type, write them and formally tell them they are no longer to call and harass you at your home or place of work / business or they will be in violation of section (?) whatever of the Fair Debt Collections Act of 200(?) Must be hand written, reference the account number(s) dated and signed, sent RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, and that means as well that they have X amount of days to get that receipt BACK to you, or the debt is paid in full. It's thier burden of PROOF that you own X amount of money. If it were me, I'd tell them to stuff it, as like you said, your account balance says you owe ZERO. BUT you still nedd to let them know you know the collection practices laws, and they are in vioplation. Look into the Fair Debt Collections Act, and the UCC. The UCC deals with collections as well. You could ALSO contact your states division of Banking and Insurance. Good Luck.

 

[FireTigeris]

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf

 

[CoopCrazy]

I am fighting them as well.. I just make sure and give them an old cell nuber anymore.. I get tired of being screamed at by people who cant speak english.. I work at a hotel that has tons of business folks from all over and am pretty good at communicating with them but Cap one I never can understand them and they scream at you ... Sheesh .. I will not be keeping that card..

 

[Bluemoon420]

Quote:
You are so right.

I provided the link from the FTC up above, but some say you can verbally tell them over the phone. It works sometimes, but not always. The link I have above tells you to write them, and HOW to do it. Basically, you have to write them, make a copy of the letter, and send it certified/registered mail. There is another website that has form letters that can be copied ( by hand or printed) for contacting debt collectors who violate FTC regulations. It's a long drawn out hassle, but in the end, it stops.

Bluemoon

 

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

Quote:
When I saw Capital One in your post I was finally inspired to register after reading this site for three years. Be careful with them! I too was in a collections situation with them recently and like you I was still answering my phone when they called. Until one day, when I told the man that the reason I wasn't paying my bill was because I had no money (duh!) he said, "ok, let's see what we might be able to do for you to stop the phone calls." And I waited for a few moments until I realized he'd hung up on me. Annoying, but pretty mild compared to some collections people.
And then a week later I got a letter thanking me for my payment by phone! They had my bank info from previous payments so this guy just went ahead and ran a payment through without my knowledge or consent. I had a lot of rude people to get through with them before anyone would help me and reverse the payment. When all the overdrafts from this hit, 'cause I really was broke, I called them to try to get them to take care of it and ended up as angry and frustrated as I've ever been in my life. Ultimately my bank took care of everything, as it was a fraudulent charge, but I haven't answered a call from Capital One since, and I won't, ever. I'm probably going to go Cassie's way and write them a letter explaining just why they're never going to see another dime out of me. Sorry for the ramble, but let me be a cautionary tale for you.

Please contact your state's attorney general's office! Please! If no one complains to the right people no one knows had bad these firms are. What they did was fraud! It needs to be treated as the crime it is.

 

[pbjmaker]

Quote:
I will double that recommendation - my hubby uses USAA and when someone tried to take $15,000 out of his account in two transfers over one weekend they blocked it, called him to verify if it was legit (it wasn't) and put the money right back where it belonged. We didn't have to do anything to "reclaim" the money etc. If you are going to use a "regular" bank (I do) I would recommend staying away from any national banks and stick to a credit union or a smaller local bank. You can get a credit card through them.