Greetings - found this outstanding link which will probably fill in the blanks to everyone fighting collection agencies. Topics are listed below and include taping phone calls, SOL, identity theft victims, sample dispute letters HOW TO SUE AN AGENCY..
Privacyrights.org/fs/fs27-debtcoll.htm
PERHAPS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST - we had some postings regarding military folks and collection agencies...
12. Military members should make an appointment with the local Judge Advocate General's office if contacted by a collector. The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) provides protections for military members whose financial life is affected by military service. Visit the Department of Army's web site for information on how the SSCRA applies to military members, www-tradoc. Army. Mil/opja/la/sscra.htm.
TO THOSE WHO WANT TO DEAL WITH COLLECTION AGENCIES (BUT WHY?)
7. Clarify payments. If you negotiate a repayment plan over the phone, ask the representative to send you the terms of the plan in writing. You may also write a letter that explains your understanding of the negotiated repayment plan. Payments made to a debt collector when multiple debts are involved should clearly specify to which debt the payment is to be applied. It is possible to dispute one debt, but agree to pay another. Also, any promise to remove or adjust reports in your credit history should be documented for later enforcement.
STEVE'S PERSONAL FAVORITE!!!
8. Pay the proper party. Payments should be made to the debt collector and not the original creditor unless you are expressly instructed to pay the creditor directly.in this case, you should confirm such instruction in writing to both the creditor and the debt collector.
everybody's favorite...
Does a debt collector have to tell me anything else?
The person who calls you from a collection agency has to give you his or her name and the name of the agency. The caller cannot pretend to be someone else. A collection agency cannot lie about who it is or send documents that mislead you.
1. Tips for Dealing with a Debt Collector
2. Fair Play and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
3. Debt Collectors and Your Privacy
4. Debts and Collectors not Covered by the FDCPA
5. State Laws and Debt Collection Agencies
6. How to Write to a Debt Collector: Tips on Filing a Dispute
7. How to Complain about a Debt Collector: Tips on Suing
8. Debt Collectors and Identity Theft
9. Debt Collectors and Your Job
10. Debt Collectors and Medical Bills
11. References
Attachment A: State Laws and State Publications
Attachment B: Sample Letters
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