Collection Agencies Complaint - Debt Collection Agencies = Debt Collection Agents - Agents That Take There Job Personally

Posted by sherdy on 2010-03-15:

There is no amount of money I could be offered to be a debt collector. Some bill collectors are vicious and unreasonable, but many are hard working folks who are subjected to the lowest forms of human behavior by people who don't think they have to pay what they owe. They are doing their job by calling delinquent payers. The solution here is to live within your means, get a second job, and pay what you knowingly charged.

Posted by Stew on 2010-03-15:

Collectors are just trying to make a buck. In reality they're nothing more than salesmen trying to sell you on the idea of giving them money. Like all salesmen they lack any real power other than the power the person on the receiving end gives them. They will use any tactic to close a deal. Its the nature of the 'salesmen' beast. The difference with collectors over other salesmen is the false mortality and false shame injected by society into what should be a purely business dealing. There is no shame or morality when it comes to business. There's just cold hard cash.

When a collector calls don't get emotional. If you feel your adrenalin surge and your blood pressure rise simply tell the collector that you do not care to discuss the issue right now then end the phone call. Never talk business when you're not in a 'business' frame of mind.

If a collector is being rude, hostile or insulting then simply tell the collector that his/her behavior will not be tolerated and then end the call.

If you don't have a good grasp on what you want to do or the best course of action for you to take then tell the collector that you're not in a position to discuss this matter at this time then end the call.

If you're just not in the mood to talk business when they call tell them as much and then end the call.

You have the power to end the call at anytime and for any reason whatsoever. Don't ever be hesitant to exercise that power.

If you do find yourself in collections then the first thing you need to do is come up with a realistic business plan for dealing with the situation. Answer these questions. Do I feel confident the collector has legal claim to collect this debt? Do you dispute the amount claimed? Do you plan on paying? Are you fishing for a reduced settlement? Are you wanting to enter into a payment plan? How much are you willing to pay a month? How much in a lump sum payment?

Answer those questions then act accordingly. Until a judge/court intervenes the debtor has all the power in collections. That's a powerful advantage that can be used very effectively to the debtor's advantage if the debtor exercises calm assertiveness and reasonable expectations.

Again it's not personal it's just business. I wish you well!

Posted by Slimjim on 2010-03-15:

Do you know how hard it is to collect money from people who have made a conscious decision not to pay for whatever reasoning? That's why collectors usually are bottom feeder types who will push the envelope to get a payment. No collector is going to get anywhere with honey, that's just the facts.
People's attitude with debt is just like employment right now. Half the people can't find work, the other half won't even look. Same with paying their debt. All those who feasibly can't are matched by those who just plain won't.

Posted by littleyaya on 2010-03-15:

When I worked in collections we were required to ask why someone wasn't able to pay their bill that way we could offer advice or suggestions. As far as the bonuses collectors get, that is an extra incentive to not quit. Collections is a hard job. You get yelled at, cussed out, hung up on, threatened, all on a daily basis. I lasted a year in collections. I might have quit a lot sooner if I wasn't making such good money. Remember that collectors are people too. They have bills to pay just like you do. Pay your bills on tinme and you won't have to worry about getting a call from a collector

Posted by madconsumer on 2010-03-15:

great review, very helpful!!