when collectors call
Preserve whatever evidence you have. Take notes of the conversation. Make sure
you write down the name of the collection agency, law firm, or debt buyer that
is calling you. Make sure you get whatever information you have on the name of
the individual calling you. Write this down with the date and time of the call.
Never throw away evidence. What may seem like trash to you, may be evidence to
your attorney. Keep any notes given to you by family, friends, coworkers, or
neighbors who took the call. Preserve any recordings left on your voice
answering system, and if you recorded the phone call do not destroy it. Often
debt collectors will claim that they never said they things you accuse them of,
and the recording is the best evidence you can have.
Absolutely do not give out checking account information over the phone, and do
not authorize a post dated check. Any collector who will take payment only by
these methods are to be viewed with the utmost of suspicion. Many people have
paid money only to find out they were scammed.
Do not give out other information such as your social security number. You may
become the target of identity theft. Ask yourself, why would a legitimate
collector need such information?
If you are not allowed calls at work and they are calling you there, tell them
that you are NOT ALLOWED to receive calls at work. This places them on even more
notice that you are not to be harassed at work, a place and time of
inconvenience to you.
Do not get into a debate with the collector about what the law says about
collections. It is pointless and the collector will likely quote the law to you
even as he violates it. Call me immediately!
Contact me at once if you feel that you are being threatened, abused or harassed,
or have been scammed. Just because you have already been "taken" does not mean I
cannot help. I have recovered a lot of money for people who have paid because of
trickery or threats from unscrupulous collectors. Submit your case now for a
free evaluation or call me - I will speak with you without obligation about your
specific situation if you live in Texas.
If I take your collection harassment case:
no attorneys fees, court costs, or expenses unless you recover. Fees on bankruptcy and debt defense cases are on a case by case basis.