In November my employer called me into her office and told me someone had contacted her and asked for my employment information she gave me the name and phone number of the person. This was the Friday before Veterans Day. I was unable to reach anyone at the number I was given so I googled them and got the main office in Ohio.
I called on Tuesday the day after Veterans Day and gave the office all my information. I was told that this call was in reference to my student loan and that the collection agency was now collecting the debt and I would get a call.
I received a call from GC Services. I gave this gentleman my earnings information so we could work out a payment plan. After he gathered all my information he asked me for my checking account information and I explained that I would be paying with a money order. He said they could only accept payment with my checking account information. I said I would send a payment in the next day and he said that the only way garnishment would be stopped is by giving them my checking account information. He told me that even if I sent payments the garnishment process would not be stopped until they received my checking account information. I said that I would need a payment plan in writing before any information would be given. He said payment plans are only made over the phone and that I was facing garnishment unless I gave him my checking account information. We ended our conversation. I refused to give my account information.
I called Sally Mae to see if there was anyway I could work with them and get this out of collection and they would not return my calls. I sent a letter to Sally Mae and GC services requesting information about my account. I wanted the principle, the accrued interest and any penalties... Collection fees. Another call came in from GC services telling me that they would not make payment arrangements with me unless I gave them my checking account information. I received a letter telling me that written payment plans such as the one I requested were not possible.
They said payment plans are only made on a verbal basis and only when they have my checking account information. I said I would not feel safe giving my checking account information to anyone with out an agreement... And that I felt that they should not threaten me with garnishment to get my personal information. I was making every effort to pay them. They sent me papers telling me they were starting the garnishment process. The papers said I was able to request a hearing, forms were included. I filled out the forms, added all my correspondence and sent the paper work back before the 31st of December... As stipulated. I made one more attempt to talk with the customer service department. I was yelled at. They only take checking account information for payment. They do not accept any other form. My employer was served with the garnishment papers yesterday... January 11. I had heard nothing about my hearing, there was no response.
This is unsettling. I don't believe they should be allowed to bully me to get my personal financial information I was earnest in my payment attempts and I believe they were less than reputable by demanding my checking account information. I have filed a complaint with the Washington State Attorney Generals office. Also, I thought my student loan was still in deferment.
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