I received a call last night from NES and I was informed that I was 3 months past due on an account that they hold. I told Mr. Jerry Hart that I had an automatic debit each month from my account to pay the bill. Honestly, I don't check my account to make sure that the money is withdrawn. I had told a rep from another company to just renew the agreement in the event that I don't get a call or call them back. The last payment was in Feb 08 and they were correct in that. I wanted to set up another payment system with them and was told at this point (not nicely) that it was too late and that I would have to pay for the whole amount roughly $8000 or they could settle for $4200. I informed Hart that if I had that amount of money we wouldn't be having the conversation. He informed me of the assets that were currently in my name while we spoke and suggested that the amount I was willing to pay and the amount that was free on my credit card be used to bring the account up to date and it would stop them from filing a lawsuit. I told him that my credit card was for emergency use only (car needs repair and tires) as we speak. He says, "Oh you got money to buy tires and not pay your bill that is due." I stated what I do with my money is now of his business, he proceeds to tell me everything I own/owe (reading my credit report) or something. I again stated that I would like to set up payments and again he stated that at this point is was either pay in full or seek legal counsel. We went at it for about 45 minutes and I let my husband hear how he was talking to me. My husband tried to explain that we can make a payment now and continue to make monthly payments as I had been doing in the past and he was adamant that the answer was no. After talking and getting nowhere I asked finally are you going to take the payment and he said no. At that point there wasn't anything else to talk about. He said, "I should be prepared to spend the money I was willing to pay him last night and get a lawyer." I said, "I guess I'll see you in court." He said, "So you got money to spend on a lawyer, but can't or won't pay your bill?" This has been the worse conversation with a bill collector I had ever had the opportunity to speak with. He was rude, ugly, judgmental, demeaning and an overall JackAss. The lady I spoke with before being turned over to him was any better. My husband and I had been unemployed for a while years ago and our bills became overdue. Over the past years we have done everything in our power to pay our bills and sometimes they are late, but overall they are being paid. Like I said before, I had set up auto payment and the months allowed had run out and I don't actually answer my house phone and didn't get the messages that were being left for me. I also didn't open my mail from the old collection company because I assume it was verification that the money was debited from my account. I took full responsibility for my negligience in this matter and was willing to try to make amends and correct the problems. The dickhead at NES was playing hardball and I didn't feel like playing last night. I don't know what the protocol is for collection agencies and the verbage they should be using when speaking to customer/clients. If the way they spoke last night is any indication, they need to shut down business and seek employment elsewhere.
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