- Report: #33340
Complaint Review: United Collections Bureau
| United Collections Bureau 5620 Southwyck Boulevard
Toledo, Ohio U.S.A. |
|
United Collections Bureau con artist fake ripoff claims to be some sort of lawyer for collection agency and bank client making close ended deals with me no consideration for homeless Toledo Ohio
*Consumer Comment: Confused!!!
*Consumer Comment: Interesting observation about the education level of collection agency staff
*Consumer Suggestion: fine print
*Consumer Suggestion: Rick the collector still needs to learn how to read.
*Consumer Comment: its been awhile.....sorry
*Consumer Comment: Don't want to get into the Rick/Steve argument, but..
*Consumer Suggestion: Rick the Collectors should learn how to read before correcting/slamming others!
*Consumer Suggestion: Rick the Collectors should learn how to read before correcting/slamming others!
*Consumer Suggestion: Rick the Collectors should learn how to read before correcting/slamming others!
*Consumer Comment: Steve - A challenge?
*Consumer Suggestion: For Rick the collector, stick to the little bit you actually know
*Consumer Comment: Bad info once again.
*Consumer Comment: I'm glad I can beat them! So I don't have to join them!
*Consumer Comment: Getting somewhere Steve!
*Consumer Comment: Linda You are wasting time and valuable memory space for ripoffreport.com
*Consumer Comment: one question for you rick....
*Consumer Comment: Linda the good lil citizen
*Consumer Comment: READ MY POST!
*Consumer Suggestion: Clarification on types of credit and types of collectors
*Consumer Comment: No hard feelings Andrew!
*Consumer Comment: Education is the key!
*Consumer Suggestion: a bit of justice to provide relief
*Consumer Comment: LINDA...Advice Columnist?
*Consumer Comment: Finally some honesty.
*Consumer Comment: Finally some honesty.
*Consumer Comment: Finally some honesty.
*Consumer Comment: Finally some honesty.
*Consumer Comment: Rick, Give it ip!
*Consumer Comment: Steve/Linda...AGAIN, you miss the point.
*Consumer Comment: get a read out
*Consumer Suggestion: Advice for Rick the collector regarding MORALS and bad debt
*Consumer Suggestion: Response to Rick the Collector..You STILL need to learn how to read!
*Consumer Comment: Rick
*Consumer Comment: "Steve and Linda where is your integrity?"
*Consumer Suggestion: More education for "J" the UCB collector
*Consumer Comment: The Bottom Line Is....
*Consumer Comment: okay....
*Consumer Comment: okay....
*Consumer Comment: okay....
*Consumer Comment: thank you Steve
*Consumer Comment: thank you Steve
*Consumer Comment: thank you Steve
*Consumer Comment: thank you Steve
*Consumer Suggestion: Thanks to LINDA, and someReal advice for "J" the collector
*Consumer Comment: When a collection account on a credit report is not paid after a certain TIME (7 years) it will be DELETED off the credit report.
*Consumer Comment: to help out a little bit
*Consumer Comment: a collection agency has no right to harass us
*Consumer Comment: Steveo...
*Consumer Comment: STEVE, STEVE, STEVE
*Consumer Suggestion: Furthermore, "J" the collector is just mad I am educating people how to beat collectors!
*Consumer Suggestion: Info for "J", I used to be a Mortgage Broker and loan Officer
*Consumer Comment: I missed one little thing
*Consumer Comment: The Worst
*Consumer Suggestion: Response to Bobbie the collector, You might want to get educated first
*Consumer Comment: Huh?
*Consumer Comment: Need some advice, Bobbie
*UPDATE Employee: It didn't take long for someone to prove my point, Thanx, Deana
*Consumer Suggestion: Response to Bobby the Collector - I can STOP collections activity WITHOUT paying! You are a moron, like most collectors.
*Consumer Comment: Bobbie, I want to thank you....
*UPDATE Employee: To Steve
*Consumer Suggestion: Response and advice to Bobby the UCB Collector..
*Consumer Comment: What about when the Third party collection agency has wrong information?
*Consumer Comment: What about when the Third party collection agency has wrong information?
*UPDATE Employee: WHY NOT JUST PAY YOUR BILLS?
*Consumer Comment: I am a victim also
*Consumer Suggestion: UCB violated with that note
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Fired for being a victum at Uinted Collection Bureau, i was threaten for my life
*Consumer Comment: To the employee of UCB
*Consumer Comment: To the employee of UCB
*Consumer Comment: To the employee of UCB
*Consumer Comment: To the employee of UCB
*Consumer Suggestion: I have a tape of UCB debt collectors abuse and lies
*Consumer Suggestion: Introducing Elmer To The Real World
*Consumer Comment: Bill Payment A bit of advice
*Consumer Comment: Bill Payment A bit of advice
*Consumer Comment: Bill Payment A bit of advice
*Consumer Comment: Bill Payment A bit of advice
*REBUTTAL Individual responds: Problems with United collections bureau originating from Southshore Hospital
*Consumer Comment: Collection Agencies are like this!
*Consumer Suggestion: Are you for real?
*Consumer Comment: They do illegal practices
*Consumer Comment: They do illegal practices
*Consumer Comment: They do illegal practices
*Consumer Comment: They do illegal practices
*UPDATE Employee: We do our job the best we can.
*UPDATE Employee: We do our job the best we can.
*UPDATE Employee: We do our job the best we can.
*Consumer Comment: Don't pay them a dime until....
*UPDATE Employee: We are not con-artists
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
I checked the phone number to see if it's just a fake number or a legitimate phone number of the collection agency that has contacted me by mail. It really was United Collections Bureau in its answering machine programming. So, I called the extension number indicated to ask why leave such information to my nextdoor neighbor instead of me. They would not tell me their method of obtaining their information.
The representative started rattling out, without allowing interruption, about the total debt, the option of lowering the amount to a thousand dollars or another thousand. He only left me with a minimum of $4000 after embarassingly telling him that I am currently homeless (living in a temporary transitional housing program), been unemployed since March 1, 2002 due to temp. agency layoff, sexual assault victim in July 2002, and a domestic violence victim from family.
There is no way such company could squeeze me off $100 even what more if it's $4000? Not even my own mother could help me because she has been under collections for years and currently have not gotten out of bad debt. I have no friends to turn to for money.
I need to know if this company, their client, or both companies are ripping me off bigtime. I refuse to send out money to the wrong party or a con artist if I ever get hired for a job. Even if I start working, there is no way I could come up with money like that in a week's time. Mr. Smith claims that his client is not giving anymore time and may turn my case to a judge for judgment in a short time. He said something about "him telling his client not to sue me anymore because of my current condition" but still demanding the $4000.
Please pursue this rip-off case with honest determination. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Karen
Hayward, California
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/24/2002 02:02 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/United-Collections-Bureau/Toledo-Ohio-43614/United-Collections-Bureau-con-artist-fake-ripoff-claims-to-be-some-sort-of-lawyer-for-coll-33340. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Search Tips#2 Consumer Comment
Interesting observation about the education level of collection agency staff
AUTHOR: Anna - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 28, 2007
What a strange pathetic communication that was. Though you commented as a "consumer" you referred to collectors as we. So, I take it you work for one of these agencies. God, they must be desperate to employ someone whose grasp of language isn't even that of en elementary school student.
IM = Were you looking for I'm as in I am maybe?
DONT = Shooting for don'tas in do not perhaps?
LIKLEY = likely maybe, I'm just guessing
WRIGHT = You were thinking write I suppose, am I right? (har!)
SAPOSED = I going to hazard a guess, was this supposed to be supposed?
WOULDNT = Contractions just aren't that hard to learn dear, even in all caps. Are you a high school graduate? If so, how?
IT DONT MATTER NONE OF IT MATTERS. = It don't I can't even touch, are you literate? And matter none oh lord, if this weren't so sad it would be funny.
ECT. = Ahem, dear, the abbreviation is etc. short for etcetera, a word that I am certain you could never comprehend.
DONT = Contractions, contractions, contractions, not so hard really or if you don't understand them just write do not.
GET A LIFE AND GET A JOB LIKE THE REST OF US AMERICANS DO. = That would be we Americans, and get a life is slang from about 1981.
I love coming to this site and seeing in black and white the pathetic education level of the zombie employees of these bottom feeders.
It is just bizarre really!
but yes it is true - in the fine print it indicates the lender may change terms at any time (some reasons are if you default or are late on any other loans - if you get another loan or credit card with high limits then your income and payouts are different than when you filed with the LENDER making the changes. The ironic part is if a person is trying to get A LOAN WITH LOWER APR to pay off a couple of higher debts they are turned down as they have too much PAYOUT - most of this is done by computers and check off system, not much room for HUMAN understanding.
Yes opt out of any huge interest increases and pay off that creditor as soon as possible - better than going bankrupt.
#4 Consumer Suggestion
Rick the collector still needs to learn how to read.
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 21, 2007
First, I never "ran" from anything in my life, especially a scumbag loser crackhead debt collector.
Second, I clearly stated I had perfect credit for 14 years straight. No late payments on anything, not even a utility bill.
Third, I will put up proof of everything I have stated. However, my time and resources are not free, and posting that info here would jeopardize all of my "accomplishmnets".
I will show you my past and present credit reports as well as the numerous lawsuits and collection attempts all of which have failed. It will cost you $25,000 to see the books. If I cannot produce what I have stated, you get $25k from me.
You see, I have plenty of money, 3 vehicles paid for and over $150 in equity in a home which is homesteaded and untouchable. I earn in excess of $1000 a week on a good union job and have a VA pension.
I can guarantee your scumbag collector a** is nowhere close to where I'm at.
You are the tool, not me.
Go back to your cubicle now, your crack pipe is calling your name.
#5 Consumer Comment
its been awhile.....sorry
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 21, 2007
1) Had to be done for creditors to make money.
2) The % of Americans in financial trouble has gotten so out of control that THEY have to adjust and not US. We all pay for this!!!
3) See the housing issue country wide. Enough said. So many poor souls went out, bought high and interest only, and are now in foreclosure. Poor folks. Just another example of kids suffering for their parent's mistakes.
Sir, Steve and Linda are a tool. Basic facilitators of the "Hate the credit world" propaganda B.S. that those who screw the rest of us have to pass along to make them selves feel better. They are at best losers. Read closely, and several times, their postings. They preach running from their debt purposefully. Would you teach this to your kid? If so, I ask you a question. When your boy/girl calls you at age 20 to ask if you can bail them out of a credit card nightmare will you be OK with that? Or, will you be the guy saying, "If I had just spent some time with them like I did with the Birds and Bees and Drugs we would be OK right now".
It is our job to teach them. The IDIOTS above (No offense Steve and Lind) screw up their credit lives and make it hard on us stand up guys.
#6 Consumer Comment
Don't want to get into the Rick/Steve argument, but..
AUTHOR: Marc - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
#7 Consumer Suggestion
Rick the Collectors should learn how to read before correcting/slamming others!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
I have no idea where you got your assumptions but that is clearly not what I wrote.
And, I don't follow anyone. My posts are based on my last 25 years of credit experience both as a consumer and a business owner. My experience is also based on actually using my own advice in court and winning.
As far as the credit qualifying goes of 20 years ago on credit cards such as Diner's Club they had very little. I had a Diner's Club card when I was 25 and in the Air Force on a Sgt's salary!
Secured credit financing is done much more responsibly than unsecured creit. Secured credit is almost always based on both a credit score and at least a DTI ratio.
Remember, I was a loan officer and later a mortgage broker. I understand lending.
And, if I know nothing how come you scumbag collectors havent been able to collect even 1 dime from me on 34 default accounts in 4 years? I must know something.
My proof is in my performance, and other than that I have no need to prove anything to anyone, especially a debt collector, as I have already done that.
I actually observed getting cards who were unemployed and/or who had dumped several creditors. It was a big problem.
#8 Consumer Suggestion
Rick the Collectors should learn how to read before correcting/slamming others!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
I have no idea where you got your assumptions but that is clearly not what I wrote.
And, I don't follow anyone. My posts are based on my last 25 years of credit experience both as a consumer and a business owner. My experience is also based on actually using my own advice in court and winning.
As far as the credit qualifying goes of 20 years ago on credit cards such as Diner's Club they had very little. I had a Diner's Club card when I was 25 and in the Air Force on a Sgt's salary!
Secured credit financing is done much more responsibly than unsecured creit. Secured credit is almost always based on both a credit score and at least a DTI ratio.
Remember, I was a loan officer and later a mortgage broker. I understand lending.
And, if I know nothing how come you scumbag collectors havent been able to collect even 1 dime from me on 34 default accounts in 4 years? I must know something.
My proof is in my performance, and other than that I have no need to prove anything to anyone, especially a debt collector, as I have already done that.
I actually observed getting cards who were unemployed and/or who had dumped several creditors. It was a big problem.
#9 Consumer Suggestion
Rick the Collectors should learn how to read before correcting/slamming others!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
I have no idea where you got your assumptions but that is clearly not what I wrote.
And, I don't follow anyone. My posts are based on my last 25 years of credit experience both as a consumer and a business owner. My experience is also based on actually using my own advice in court and winning.
As far as the credit qualifying goes of 20 years ago on credit cards such as Diner's Club they had very little. I had a Diner's Club card when I was 25 and in the Air Force on a Sgt's salary!
Secured credit financing is done much more responsibly than unsecured creit. Secured credit is almost always based on both a credit score and at least a DTI ratio.
Remember, I was a loan officer and later a mortgage broker. I understand lending.
And, if I know nothing how come you scumbag collectors havent been able to collect even 1 dime from me on 34 default accounts in 4 years? I must know something.
My proof is in my performance, and other than that I have no need to prove anything to anyone, especially a debt collector, as I have already done that.
I actually observed getting cards who were unemployed and/or who had dumped several creditors. It was a big problem.
#10 Consumer Comment
Steve - A challenge?
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Kind of a bully mentality isn't it? As a matter of fact you remind me of one of these people that join a cult, get brainwashed, and then spend years spewing bad information until they wake up and say, Damn, I just blew ten years of my life.
Fact of the matter Steve is that you are a tool. A facilitator of nonsense and B.S. handed out by those consumer advocates that I have mentioned earlier. They use the weak minded and uneducated to spill their non-sense out to the other weak minded and uneducated. Steve you are nothing but a tool to them. Use your head and spend the time researching for FACTS rather than spread the propaganda. You are nothing but a tool to help disseminate incorrect information and base-less facts.
You know Diners Club huh? They just gave cards away because they could not validate the applicant. Huh. Anyone could get one huh? It was not limited to the affluent or well off huh? Ohhh and the kicker, you did not have to qualify for credit back then because there was no Internet or computerized records! My God, I didn't realize the world just started 20 years ago. Damn, no one drove a car or bought a house back then because the banks had no way to validate their credit worthiness huh? Brilliant Steve. More non-sense from an irresponsible person LISTENING to others quoting incorrect information they think is fact. Let me read your NEXT post to me:
Rick you big dummycars and homes are secured debtsthey DON'T need to validate those applicants. My buddy Michael, who knows Bruce told Liberace who told (insert any of your friends names here) that they do not check credit when you buy a house.
Again brilliant. What in the world would posses you to post such idiotic thoughts? They just gave away the credit.you must be a brilliant businessman. Thank God you bought that house in 1981. You just made it before they started checking credit worthiness. LOL
Why don't you ever address the real nature of my post? No thoughts on the pertinent, factual, data contained there?
Like I said Steve, ease up on the tool mentality, do your own research, and become a respectful, stand-up, person. There is still time left for you. Not much but some.
Excuse me now for I have to go back to my cubicle. Don't you have someone to pick up Steve?
Hear that sound in your brain Steve? That's common sense. Hurts don't it?
#11 Consumer Suggestion
For Rick the collector, stick to the little bit you actually know
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 28, 2006
Please go back to your cubicle now.
I know exactly what I meant, and those numbers I gave are fairly accurate. And they didn't come from collectors.
Trust me, it is NOT only 5% of debtors that are in collections. It is MUCH higher than that.
Your analogy of the history of credit cards is WAY OFF. Back then there was no internet, no computerized records to speak of and no way of verifying too much on an applicant. I know plenty of people back then, including my Dad who had a Diner's club card. We were not rich, or even close.
People would run up multiple cards and just walk away and there was no technology in place to find them.
Being in default simply means your account is not paid as agreed. Serious default is considered to be when a debtor is 60 or more days late by most lender's standards.
Now we get to charged off debt. Even this number, today is more than 5% of the population who uses credit. Much more.
Debt collectors employed by creditors, commonly referred to as first party collectors, are not the ones who bother me. The ones I refer to are the junk debt buyers who buy very old out of stat debts and act in an abusive and illegal manner to collect a debt they are not legally entitled to. many times contacting a person who does not even owe the debt, just because the file was incomplete and the scumbag desperate crackhead collector cant figure it out. They just know they need to collect so they can buy more crack.
Thats my point.
ps.I had my first credit card in 1981 and bought my first house in 1982. I'm not new to credit.
#12 Consumer Comment
Bad info once again.
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Why would COLLECTORS have information regarding default? They collect what is in front of them not prevent it. Banks disclose this information. It is they who finalize numbers and report yearly their defaults for financial purposes.
You have heard of a quarterly/annual earnings report correct?
FYI - 20 years ago credit cards were not as nearly available as they are today. Credit lines were normally extended to the upper class only. It started with the first credit card, Diners Club, and it was a sign of prestige back then. If you had a card you were someone of status.
Because of this, default was limited. It was not until within the last 10-12 years that creditor's began to offer credit to those within the sub-prime demographic. They also began to offer to a much younger market such as college students. These two examples are what you consider predatory lending. I consider it a business and lack of education by those opening the credit lines.
Instead of a credit card being used to help rebuild the credit of say a sub-prime user or college student they run out, max out the line thinking Oh, its only $25 a month, and then default because they could not afford it in the first place. That is finance mismanagement and reckless spending. Better known as LACK OF EDUCATION!
You said:
Approx half of all consumers go into serious default at some time during their lives.
What you meant was:
Approx half of all consumers go into serious DEBT at some time during their lives.
We have got to begin with our youth. Teach them proper spending habits. Teach them not to go into debt, be responsible when spending, and understand how credit works. IT IS that important. It should start in schools, taught at home, and continue through life. Teach them NOT to keep up with the Jones' but build themselves TO be the Jones'.
We, as the adults, have a responsibility to help our children down the right path. Lets not screw this one up. We teach our kids about sex to help them avoid teen pregnancy and STDs. We teach our kids not to drink and drive and not to use drugs. These are all possible life altering events and most importantly a learned practice. We are not born with these instincts. They must be taught through repetition, role models AND THROUGH EXAMPLE.
Dude hate what you want. Just don't teach your kids to. Let them make up their own mind after their own experiences. IT IS that important.
#13 Consumer Comment
I'm glad I can beat them! So I don't have to join them!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Won't happen.
FYI. Debt default is MUCH more than 5%. I don't know where collectors get that number. That was like 20 years ago. It is fantasy.
MOST collectors are in financial hardship and/or default themselves, but won't admit it.
Approximately 15% of all unsecured debt now ends up as a charge off.
Approx half of all consumers go into serious default at some time during their lives.
default on debts is growing by the day, and credit scores are lower than ever. It all has to do with todays economy. High costs, low wages, illegal immigration, etc.
Our economy is headed towards a major crash. Very soon.
#14 Consumer Comment
Getting somewhere Steve!
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 23, 2006
The remaining 1-2%, like Andrew, does everything in their power to get the debt handled. If, due to PROVEN catastrophic reasons, the bill cannot be paid after exhausting all efforts than it should be written of as acceptable loss. Some things are fate and cannot be changed. Creditors plan accordingly for this acceptable loss. We see it in our membership fees, interest rates, over limit and past due fees, ect. These types of charges/fees help to cover what the bank deems acceptable loss. Problem is they keep getting increased due to other types of default.
Now comes the opinion of predatory lending. If we step back and take a clear look at our creditors business practices I am sure you would agree that this is protection for the bank. Penalties are severe to prevent default and ultimately, increased fees and interest to the 95% of the public not in default.
We must educate and stay positive. There is no way around the credit world. Make an impact on our youth now and we will reap the rewards in our elder years. Time is of the essence. If you do not want to be the preacher, or educator, of good credit habits then the alternative is simple. Stop posting your feelings and stay with the facts. You can make a difference!
If you can't beat'em, join'em!
#15 Consumer Comment
Linda You are wasting time and valuable memory space for ripoffreport.com
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 23, 2006
No. I would not pay a debt that was not mine.
Now, back to the point that has been made over, and over, and over, and over again. STOP POSTING IRRISPOINSIBLE, RECKLESS INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP TO SPREAD THE WRONG IMPRESSION TO THOSE WHO ARE MOST AFFECTED....OUR YOUTH.
Do me a favor and save your attempt at rhetoric for the coffee clutch. It will be much better received there, as this site is a forum for those who wish to better the public's information on specific points.
Thanks for playing..and oh, That's my stance on that point (give me a break Steve wannabe!)
#16 Consumer Comment
one question for you rick....
AUTHOR: Linda - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 21, 2006
#17 Consumer Comment
Linda the good lil citizen
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 21, 2006
Now lets visit your advice to others:
Why would someone who has a collection account that only has 3 years left of the 7 years? If they did pay it then this would start the 7 years completely over and show as a 'paid collection' which is a 'negative' mark on their credit report instead of completely gone! (postive mark)
And:
what would you do if you only had 3 more years to wait until a tradeline would be dropped from your report and this was the only 'negative' tradeline on your report? would you leave it alone and wait the 3 years when it completely drops off so you could finally buy that house, car, boat or whatever, or would you 'be a good little citizin' and pay the 4 year old collection and have to wait 7 YEARS before buying that house, boat or car??? hmmmm???
I ask you one question. Would you teach this same practice of irresponsibility to your children? Hey Johnny, I know things are tough right now. Just don't pay your credit bills. Wait them out for seven years and then go and by that boat you wanted. Everything will be great then. Unbelievable and unconscionable.
You probably feel in your head you are right but your heart has to speak differently. You have to make sense of this, act responsible, and post a retraction to your advice.
Do it for the younger members of our society. Those impressionable children that look to us adults for advice. Do it for Andrew's kids, my kids, and all of the other mostly teenage kids that use the web and may read your nonsense. Please Linda, be a good lil citizen as you so elegantly put it.
It seems you Rick need education and learn to read before making accusations!
Why should I pay for something that isnt mine to begin with? Just because my name is similar or the same? Heck no! I will fight it to the end!
And that is my position!
#19 Consumer Suggestion
Clarification on types of credit and types of collectors
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, October 20, 2006
I am against IRRESPONSIBLE and PREDATORY lending tactics. UNSECURED credit is a problem.
And, I am not against 1st party collectors, or "in house" collectors working for the original creditor.
I am against junk debt buyers and the collectors who work for them. A junk debt buyer is NOT a creditor. A junk debt buyer is an INVESTOR. They have no rights to anything. They should invest in something more solid, like the stock market or real estate.
My opinion is that if the original creditor felt the debt was not worth going to court over, why should an INVESTOR be able to?
I have rebuilt my credit and am well over 600 credit score which will allow me to finance another trucking business in late spring.
I know the importance of credit. I also know the importance of responsible lending. If these lenders practiced responsible lending, they would not ever suffer these kinds of losses or have the need for outside debt collectors.
That is my position.
#20 Consumer Comment
No hard feelings Andrew!
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, October 20, 2006
Actually, very informative and educated were your thoughts. I was impressed to see your candid speak of regression and then success once you applied yourself to resolve. Although you believe morality to be a ?tool?, used by one to get another to pay a bill, I believe it to be a way of life. In fact, you demonstrated that perfectly. You picked yourself up, realized you had an obligation to do everything possible to work out your debt, and the executed your plan. Most importantly, you educated your kids by speaking to them and demonstrating a good role model!
FYI ? And I thought I had explained this numerous times, I am not a debt collector. I am pro-credit. I do believe in the practice of collections but not predatory collections.
Unfortunately, this world is not made up of Andrew's when it comes to credit default. It is made of Steve's and Linda's who enter collections not for catastrophic reasons but for selfishness and financial mis-management. They then go on to post recklessly as shown above. This teaches nothing but irresponsibility to the public and promotes financial repercussions for the rest of us. I can't help but to wonder where they are now?
America listen up. Andrew, through no fault of his own, was out of work. Admittedly he hid but then realized what he had to do. HE SOLD EVERYTHING HE COULD. TURNED OF HIS CABLE, PHONE AND OTHER LUXIERIES! Responsible, moral decisions made by a stand-up citizen! Would you have done the same? Self sacrifice your comfort zone.....I doubt it.
This should be a learning experience for many out there. Thank you for your well written post Andrew. It sounds like you are back on your feet and probably much better off thanks to what you have been through. Your kids will grow up educated in the credit world and in no doubt will be thanking you for that! Congrats!
Signed,
The Jerk
#21 Consumer Comment
Education is the key!
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 19, 2006
Anyone interested in an educated, adult, useful conversation feel free to post!
Nice talking with you Steve and Linda!
#22 Consumer Suggestion
a bit of justice to provide relief
AUTHOR: Andrew - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 19, 2006
I have had dealings with collection agencies in my past, and brother let me tell you it was brutal. Everything the people in this forum have accused this debt collection agency of, was done to me by the debt collection agency who hounded me. Their methods have been around for longer than I've been alive. In fact it's because of the long standing abuses of debt collection agencies that THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT was created as an amendment to CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT. Go to the following two sites and read about both.
THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.htm
Consumer Credit Protection Act
http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/
6500-200.html#6500tilaccpa
I had a perfect credit score and then through no fault of my own I was out of work with no income and no immediate prospects. Soon I was behind in my payments to my creditors. The first thing I did was wrong. I was looking at a financial crisis, into the abyss. I knew my credit was going to be ruined no matter what I did, and had a world of other horrors sure to come, within 3 months I would lose my home, my car, my spouse, my health, my mind, face two lawsuits, have to hire three attorneys, (only need two but caught one stealing my money so had to fire him and hire the third). So I did what most sane people would do I hid, I sunk into a deep depression, went into denial, and resigned myself to the fact that my life was over.
That was wrong, ... reasonable but wrong none the less, because at that time I didn't know there were some things I could do.
The second thing I did was right, I tried working with my creditors (not debt-collectors, Do not talk to them!), still I could have been more right had I known then what I learned later. I contacted my creditors and worked out smaller payments.
Now I was correct in my appraisal that I was to face ruin but still had I gone to my creditors first I might have delayed or outright avoided the debt collection agencies all together.
If things even look like you can expect financial problems I suggest you call your creditors beforehand. Don't wait, ASK NOW! Your creditors aren't going to magically offer reduced or no payments out of the blue. Call them and ASK for what you want. If you ASK the worst answer you can possibly get is NO.... but you just might get a YES!!! That applies to everthing in life too. I finally learned that.
ASK,... THE WORST POSSIBLE ANSWER IS NO.
... and I've gotten plenty of NO's, but I can't tell you the times I've asked when I used to never ask, and gotten a YES for an answer, which has blown my mind. This is one of those times. Ask your creditors going into AS LITTLE detail AS POSSIBLE, be as unspecific as you can to get a break in payments or reduced payments for as long as you can, hopefully the arrangement you negotiate here buys you time to regain your financial legs.
Tell them you have limited funds due to unforeseen events and you need to see if you can have , let's say, six months of payments stopped. Now they will probably balk at this but you don't want to negotiate from low to high, but rather high to low. They may want more detail. Give them only as much as you feel you have to. They will probably give you their standard speil and some standard offer.
Graciously accept whatever they offer. If its a reduced amount of payments for several months or a let you forego one months payments, say THANK YOU! Ask for an email or letter confirming this arrangement. If they send an email print a hard copy immediately. Whatever you get you are in a better position than you were and you're proactively lightening your load regardless of the final outcome. Make the journey as painless as possible.
Next you should buckle down! Even if you think you know there is relief down the road, all to often something happens, like another unexpected expense or money you were counting on gets delayed for a time. Cut off the cable, stop the dance classes, and karate school, sell the extra car, boat, anything you can seriously manage without, ANYTHING that will put money in your pocket. If you have children, remember your children are watching you and no matter how they complain, you may well be teaching them a survival skill. Talk to them and tell it straight. DO NOT negotiate; you're in charge. They may say they HATE you, but if they have to move into their new 1 bedroom cardboard box on the sidewalk, then they truely will disrespect your weakness in not doing what was right. You will get their respect earn self respect.
Also, seriously consider dropping life and health insurance.
If you live where there are free-clinics this too needs to be put on the table. If you're out of work you probably qualify for free-clinics and those insurance premiums which your company paid the lions share of will now be all yours. So the $30 to $60 you had coming out of your paycheck for group health insurance, might now be a COBRA payment of $500 a month.
Find ways to cut expenses. Contact agencies which can give you assisstance. The salvation army might qualify you for a months rent and a months utilities. There may be other agencies which can do the same. Where I live the Sa lvation Army paid one months rent and one months utilities and I found two other agencies, each covered one months utilities. There's AID FOR DEPENDANT CHILDREN and FOOD STAMPS.
Ask each agency and they may have a pre-printed list of agencies which provide any number of free services.
Regarding this issue of morality, jerks like Rick - Ft Lauderdale, Florida, Stephanie - Columbus, Ohio, and Bobbie - TOLEDO, Ohio, are being deceitful when they comment on a debtors morality. In truth their are using a tactic designed to make you feel guilt in order to get you to sned them money. They speak of Honor and consistantly for you to PAY YOUR DEBTS.
Again, in truth, they have zero concern as to your indebtedness except as it affects their ability to harrass and intimidate you into sending them money so they can increase their commission.
Don't talk to these inscrupulous vermin and never send them money. If you have the ability, with no self interest to protect, and decide you can pay all or some of your debt contact the creditor and make arrangements with your original creditor or go to an agency or attorney and have your payments handled though them acting on your behalf to avoid these debt collection agencies.
CHANGE YOUR PHONE NUMBER OR CUT OFF YOUR PHONE SERVICE AND GET A PRE PAID CELL PHONE. Even if you change your phone number and have the number unlisted these debt collection agencies have methods to get your new unlisted number. If you must get a new number but have it placed in a name other than yourself or any family member or person you listed as a reference on work or credit applications. If you are contacted by any debt collection agency tell them you can't talk right now, ask for them to call you back in a day or so. Then check the laws in your area regarding recording telephone conversations.
Some states allow you to record without notification and some require you to tell any party to a conversation that they are being recorded. Get an ANALOG TAPE RECORDER NEVER A DIGITAL RECORDER. Some courts do not allow digital recordings as evidence.
1. Prepare it so you can immediately start the recording if you receive a call.
2. Never identify yourself to a caller first! It's a good rule of thumb to get into the habit of never answering a callers inquiry of anyone they name , including yourself, as to if they may speak to that person. Proper phone ettiquette, and in this case by law, is for a caller to first identify themselves, then ask for the party with whom they wish to speak. In fact by law these debt collectors must identify themselves personally, and the name of their company. They are proscribed by law from stating to anyone other than the debtor that they are attempting to collect a debt, so you stop them cold in not identifying yourself.
Make sure it's a recorder that doesn't send a clicking sound to warn anyone they are being recorded., then and only if your state law requires, do you inform the party with whom you are conversing that you are recording the conversation. Most of these debt collectors are about to break many laws so they can torture a payment from you and if they know they are being recordered will not continue with their normal illegal activities once they know they are being recorded. If you are required by your state law to notify them they are being recorded and they say they do not give you permission to record the call, politely laugh in their face and HANG UP. They have just shot themselves in the foot.
3. Start your recorder.
4. Make them identify themselves.
5. Make them identify their company.
6. Ask them what this is in regards to.
7. Ask them if they are recording you.
8. Make them repeat their name, their company name, and the date and time, whom they are looking for, and what the matter to which they are inquiring relates to.... THEN, if you want to continue, you can identify yourself.
9. Read the THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT and if they have violated the law report they activity to the Attorney General in your local. Sue them, you have taped evidence. You are guaranteed a certain sum if the evidence proves they violated THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT. Not only this but you may become a party to a class action in the future. Generally the more eveidence you have gets you more more money in any settlement.
Quit worrying yourself, you can file for Bankruptcy as a final resort; Bankruptcy can eliminate or reduce your debt, depending under which Bankruptcy Chapter you file under, and completely stop any creditor or agency from ever calling you, your family, friends, or work again.
I am not giving legal advise, because I'm not a lawyer. Contact either a lawyer or an agency which can advise you as to whether what I have advised is legal. It's always best to have someone who knows best how to protect your legal rights to advise you. Be aware though that many of the so called credit repair agencies are shady and are there not to help you but line their pockets with your gold at the very time you are most financially vulnerable. Make sure the agency is legitimate. Contact places who can point you to agencies who are legitimate, free, or paid on a sliding scale.
My favorite recording to leave on my answering machine goes something like this:
Hi this is (identyfy the phone number not your name XXX-XXXX), no one is available to answer your call, if this is a friend or relative please leave your name and number after the tone, if this is in regards to a bill please leave your name and number after the dial tone.
#23 Consumer Comment
LINDA...Advice Columnist?
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 12, 2006
What you did do is give the advice to others to run from their moral obligation.
You wrote:
Why would someone who has a collection account that only has 3 years left of the 7 years? If they did pay it then this would start the 7 years completely over and show as a 'paid collection' which is a 'negative' mark on their credit report instead of completely gone! (postive mark)
And then some more great advice. You also wrote:
what would you do if you only had 3 more years to wait until a tradeline would be dropped from your report and this was the only 'negative' tradeline on your report? would you leave it alone and wait the 3 years when it completely drops off so you could finally buy that house, car, boat or whatever, or would you 'be a good little citizin' and pay the 4 year old collection and have to wait 7 YEARS before buying that house, boat or car??? hmmmm???
Greaaaaaatttttt Advice. Run from your debt. Don't fulfill your obligation as a citizen. Cost everyone else, including Steve, higher interest rates, membership fees, and other various repercussions AND then go buy a BOAT??? What a joke! So they can default and run again? At least now it would be secured debt. Then a repo man can skip them down, take it back in the middle of the night, embarrass them, and then listen to that same person come to a website and post how poorly and unfair they were treated. My lord..Give me strength.
#24 Consumer Comment
Finally some honesty.
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Steve, I am not trying to battle here. Truly, I am not. What I am trying to do is make sure that the normal day to day consumer gets an unbiased opinion as to what is really happening out there in the credit world. Your posts come across as bitter. You are taking a situation that happened to you and judging the credit industry on that alone. Not everyone has had these same experiences. Again, on the average only 5% of a creditors portfolio is in collections. This is an extremely small percentage considering.
Steve, you have been a successful businessman. You have also been a cab driver and that makes you a well-rounded blue and white-collar worker. You have tasted success when the money was flowing and you have had to work your butt off for a dollar. You of all people should understand that credit is not going away. Good or bad it makes the world go around. Every company and individual MUST use credit. There is no way around it unless you are ridiculously rich. How many in the normal population fit in that category? Fact of the matter is this; if we do not teach the public to be more responsible the banks will always have the upper hand. The more the public spends the greater the risk. High risk means extreme terms and repercussions for defaulting on those terms. All of this is passed on to the consumer via higher interest rates and fees. It also means that the bank may HAVE to change terms at any time in order to protect their interest. You see this is not a penalty. It feels like one however, just like any business the creditors MUST protect themselves. Think about it. If you own a supply store and one of your customers has not paid on two invoices would you continue to extend him products on credit? NO. This is the way the world works and it is our job to teach the public and, more importantly, our youth. They are our future and credit is becoming a younger and younger game. I feel very strongly that credit should be a course taught in school. It is just as important as math, English, science, art, physical education or woodworking.
Steve, believe it or not we are not to far apart in that we both want to educate the public. I prefer to do it in a positive matter that is more conducive to a learning atmosphere. I prefer to refrain from insults such as crack smoking, bottom feeder, low life and ect. Bottom line is that these comments show bitterness and a kindergarten attitude that professionals should stay away from.
There are these consumer advocates out there teaching the world how horrible banks and creditors are instead of focusing on anything positive that these creditors have to offer.
Here is how I see it:
Just like me these consumer advocates get up in the morning and leave the house they are paying a mortgage on and drive to work in their financed car. Once at work, they are typing on a financed computer inside of a financed building. They then extend credit to their employer by working 40 hours a week and getting paid two weeks later. If your boss did not pay you for a month would you extend him credit and continue working? I doubt it.
Here's an idea. Lets work together to educate people on how to be responsible with their credit. People are jumping on your bandwagon Steve and their post show it. They are teaching people to run from credit, wait out the SOL, and avoid paying their debt. Instead, we should be showing them how to safely use their credit line, don't spend what they don't have, understand the terms of their contract and most importantly, be a responsible citizen. We are not going to beat the banks. Why not use them to our advantage?
#25 Consumer Comment
Finally some honesty.
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Steve, I am not trying to battle here. Truly, I am not. What I am trying to do is make sure that the normal day to day consumer gets an unbiased opinion as to what is really happening out there in the credit world. Your posts come across as bitter. You are taking a situation that happened to you and judging the credit industry on that alone. Not everyone has had these same experiences. Again, on the average only 5% of a creditors portfolio is in collections. This is an extremely small percentage considering.
Steve, you have been a successful businessman. You have also been a cab driver and that makes you a well-rounded blue and white-collar worker. You have tasted success when the money was flowing and you have had to work your butt off for a dollar. You of all people should understand that credit is not going away. Good or bad it makes the world go around. Every company and individual MUST use credit. There is no way around it unless you are ridiculously rich. How many in the normal population fit in that category? Fact of the matter is this; if we do not teach the public to be more responsible the banks will always have the upper hand. The more the public spends the greater the risk. High risk means extreme terms and repercussions for defaulting on those terms. All of this is passed on to the consumer via higher interest rates and fees. It also means that the bank may HAVE to change terms at any time in order to protect their interest. You see this is not a penalty. It feels like one however, just like any business the creditors MUST protect themselves. Think about it. If you own a supply store and one of your customers has not paid on two invoices would you continue to extend him products on credit? NO. This is the way the world works and it is our job to teach the public and, more importantly, our youth. They are our future and credit is becoming a younger and younger game. I feel very strongly that credit should be a course taught in school. It is just as important as math, English, science, art, physical education or woodworking.
Steve, believe it or not we are not to far apart in that we both want to educate the public. I prefer to do it in a positive matter that is more conducive to a learning atmosphere. I prefer to refrain from insults such as crack smoking, bottom feeder, low life and ect. Bottom line is that these comments show bitterness and a kindergarten attitude that professionals should stay away from.
There are these consumer advocates out there teaching the world how horrible banks and creditors are instead of focusing on anything positive that these creditors have to offer.
Here is how I see it:
Just like me these consumer advocates get up in the morning and leave the house they are paying a mortgage on and drive to work in their financed car. Once at work, they are typing on a financed computer inside of a financed building. They then extend credit to their employer by working 40 hours a week and getting paid two weeks later. If your boss did not pay you for a month would you extend him credit and continue working? I doubt it.
Here's an idea. Lets work together to educate people on how to be responsible with their credit. People are jumping on your bandwagon Steve and their post show it. They are teaching people to run from credit, wait out the SOL, and avoid paying their debt. Instead, we should be showing them how to safely use their credit line, don't spend what they don't have, understand the terms of their contract and most importantly, be a responsible citizen. We are not going to beat the banks. Why not use them to our advantage?
#26 Consumer Comment
Finally some honesty.
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Steve, I am not trying to battle here. Truly, I am not. What I am trying to do is make sure that the normal day to day consumer gets an unbiased opinion as to what is really happening out there in the credit world. Your posts come across as bitter. You are taking a situation that happened to you and judging the credit industry on that alone. Not everyone has had these same experiences. Again, on the average only 5% of a creditors portfolio is in collections. This is an extremely small percentage considering.
Steve, you have been a successful businessman. You have also been a cab driver and that makes you a well-rounded blue and white-collar worker. You have tasted success when the money was flowing and you have had to work your butt off for a dollar. You of all people should understand that credit is not going away. Good or bad it makes the world go around. Every company and individual MUST use credit. There is no way around it unless you are ridiculously rich. How many in the normal population fit in that category? Fact of the matter is this; if we do not teach the public to be more responsible the banks will always have the upper hand. The more the public spends the greater the risk. High risk means extreme terms and repercussions for defaulting on those terms. All of this is passed on to the consumer via higher interest rates and fees. It also means that the bank may HAVE to change terms at any time in order to protect their interest. You see this is not a penalty. It feels like one however, just like any business the creditors MUST protect themselves. Think about it. If you own a supply store and one of your customers has not paid on two invoices would you continue to extend him products on credit? NO. This is the way the world works and it is our job to teach the public and, more importantly, our youth. They are our future and credit is becoming a younger and younger game. I feel very strongly that credit should be a course taught in school. It is just as important as math, English, science, art, physical education or woodworking.
Steve, believe it or not we are not to far apart in that we both want to educate the public. I prefer to do it in a positive matter that is more conducive to a learning atmosphere. I prefer to refrain from insults such as crack smoking, bottom feeder, low life and ect. Bottom line is that these comments show bitterness and a kindergarten attitude that professionals should stay away from.
There are these consumer advocates out there teaching the world how horrible banks and creditors are instead of focusing on anything positive that these creditors have to offer.
Here is how I see it:
Just like me these consumer advocates get up in the morning and leave the house they are paying a mortgage on and drive to work in their financed car. Once at work, they are typing on a financed computer inside of a financed building. They then extend credit to their employer by working 40 hours a week and getting paid two weeks later. If your boss did not pay you for a month would you extend him credit and continue working? I doubt it.
Here's an idea. Lets work together to educate people on how to be responsible with their credit. People are jumping on your bandwagon Steve and their post show it. They are teaching people to run from credit, wait out the SOL, and avoid paying their debt. Instead, we should be showing them how to safely use their credit line, don't spend what they don't have, understand the terms of their contract and most importantly, be a responsible citizen. We are not going to beat the banks. Why not use them to our advantage?
#27 Consumer Comment
Finally some honesty.
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Steve, I am not trying to battle here. Truly, I am not. What I am trying to do is make sure that the normal day to day consumer gets an unbiased opinion as to what is really happening out there in the credit world. Your posts come across as bitter. You are taking a situation that happened to you and judging the credit industry on that alone. Not everyone has had these same experiences. Again, on the average only 5% of a creditors portfolio is in collections. This is an extremely small percentage considering.
Steve, you have been a successful businessman. You have also been a cab driver and that makes you a well-rounded blue and white-collar worker. You have tasted success when the money was flowing and you have had to work your butt off for a dollar. You of all people should understand that credit is not going away. Good or bad it makes the world go around. Every company and individual MUST use credit. There is no way around it unless you are ridiculously rich. How many in the normal population fit in that category? Fact of the matter is this; if we do not teach the public to be more responsible the banks will always have the upper hand. The more the public spends the greater the risk. High risk means extreme terms and repercussions for defaulting on those terms. All of this is passed on to the consumer via higher interest rates and fees. It also means that the bank may HAVE to change terms at any time in order to protect their interest. You see this is not a penalty. It feels like one however, just like any business the creditors MUST protect themselves. Think about it. If you own a supply store and one of your customers has not paid on two invoices would you continue to extend him products on credit? NO. This is the way the world works and it is our job to teach the public and, more importantly, our youth. They are our future and credit is becoming a younger and younger game. I feel very strongly that credit should be a course taught in school. It is just as important as math, English, science, art, physical education or woodworking.
Steve, believe it or not we are not to far apart in that we both want to educate the public. I prefer to do it in a positive matter that is more conducive to a learning atmosphere. I prefer to refrain from insults such as crack smoking, bottom feeder, low life and ect. Bottom line is that these comments show bitterness and a kindergarten attitude that professionals should stay away from.
There are these consumer advocates out there teaching the world how horrible banks and creditors are instead of focusing on anything positive that these creditors have to offer.
Here is how I see it:
Just like me these consumer advocates get up in the morning and leave the house they are paying a mortgage on and drive to work in their financed car. Once at work, they are typing on a financed computer inside of a financed building. They then extend credit to their employer by working 40 hours a week and getting paid two weeks later. If your boss did not pay you for a month would you extend him credit and continue working? I doubt it.
Here's an idea. Lets work together to educate people on how to be responsible with their credit. People are jumping on your bandwagon Steve and their post show it. They are teaching people to run from credit, wait out the SOL, and avoid paying their debt. Instead, we should be showing them how to safely use their credit line, don't spend what they don't have, understand the terms of their contract and most importantly, be a responsible citizen. We are not going to beat the banks. Why not use them to our advantage?
#28 Consumer Comment
Rick, Give it ip!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Why are the banks the only ones who can change the rules? This goes both ways, as they found out!
And, if I would have refused the terms on those accounts, it would have closed the accounts, and lowered the available credit to zero which would have dropped my credit score to about 500-550 overnight as it would appear that all of my accounts were maxed out!
I bet you never considered that aspect, right?
Furthermore it really isn't any of your business why I had that much credit but I was engaged in a business startup and using my personal credit to establish business credit. It was seasonal, so during the good times I paid the accounts way down and during the slow time I ran them way up. I know that $200K sounds like alot to someone like you, but I made $15-20k per month in the good times, and sometimes more. Then there was the slow times of about $6k per month which only paid the minimums or just a little more. This is when they hit me with the interest rate changes, at the beginning of the slow time.
You can try to justify these greedy banks all you like, but I never take a take it or leave it attitude from anyone, as I don't have to.
What I did is power negotiating. They tried bending me over, so I bent them over.
I win.
#29 Consumer Comment
Steve/Linda...AGAIN, you miss the point.
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 11, 2006
#1. At anytime a bank may decide to change your terms without you defaulting in anyway. However, once the change has been made you will be notified and offered an option out which will close your account and lock in your original terms and conditions. As long as you do not default once you opt out than you have as long as you want to pay the card off at the original terms.
#2. A creditor may change your agreement, without notification, to the default terms if:
a. You are past due greater than 30 days.
b. You are over the credit limit via purchases OR accrued interest, which was not satisfied, prior to your new billing cycle. **Remember OL and PD fees are considered charges and are applied to your principle balance. These fees WILL put you over the limit and in default. There is no grace period to pay these charges as there is with the interest.
c. Behind with any other creditor OR due to high risk through evidence showing on your credit bureau. (This is not the complete list however)
There is no opt out offer made to a consumer in the event of a default as outlined above. This is normally where the problems begin. Accounts in default are expensive. Interest can increase, depending on state law, up to 32%+. A request is made that the balance in full be satisfied immediately. Refusing to do so can result in a judgment being pursued to ensure the account is satisfied one way or another.
That is where collections and purchased debt differ so very much. Remember, your beef is with those companies that buy debt aged greater than the state specific SOL. This debt is legal to collect on, and can be forever however, once the SOL has ran out the debtor has no real legal obligation to pay. That is where the threats and other tactics come into play. These companies have no ground to stand on so they make it up. They hope the uneducated consumer will pay without arming himself with the knowledge needed to fight these guys.
Again, I truly do believe that every consumer has a responsibility, both legally and morally, to satisfy any debt that they may have. If they so happen to fall into that 1-2% of consumers who find themselves in a TRUE hardship then the debt should be erased after a sufficient investigation and proof said hardship has been provided. This is what is normally considered acceptable loss. An inability to pay due to unforeseen, unintentional and often catastrophic reasons.
Debt buying is a business. Whether I agree with you on the terms of this business is irrelevant. I do not see all debt buyers as parasites. I think, just as with any type of business, there are extremist willing to do anything, including break the law, to feed their greed. Governing bodies cracking down on the offenders will fix that problem. We all just have to remember one important thing
We charged the debt at the terms we signed up for. If they change due to no fault of my own I can opt out and pay the card at its original terms. If they change due to my own negligence the repercussions are severe and swift. At the end of the day, I OWE THIS DEBT. If I am not the 1-2% of consumers in a catastrophic situation, I OWE THIS DEBT. 1 year, 3 years, 13 years later, I OWE THIS DEBT. MORALLY I OWE THIS DEBT.
Imagine a world of stand up people utilizing billions of dollars in credit lines and faithfully paying as agreed. It is 95 out of every 100 people. I feel proud to say that.
95 out of every 100 people. They get it. They understand the credit world. Good or bad, they get it. Not all collectors are bad peopleonly in the opinion of the other 5.
As far as predatory lending, get off the bus Steve. You had 200K in credit you claim. Why? Did you need it to live, build your life, build your business or were you irresponsible? If you had 200k in revolving credit and barely making your payments on maxed out limits it would be irresponsible for the creditor NOT to shut you off and change your terms. Dont let your irresponsibility cloud your comments...come true man!
In case there are those that cannot read between the lines, I am pro-credit. It plays a very important role in our everyday life. Without credit our lives would never have been the same. This world was built on credit and the 95 out of 100 stand up people who use it correctly and responsibly.
A year would go by of calling and explaining then the collection would start. Explain to them. They said there is nothing they could do it was sent to them take it up with the hospital. It was dropped. It all happened again for the second time. Did the same thing. A year later here we go again for the third time. This time the hospital said to go ahead to court. When I got the court papers i was fuming. I have great credit and I always pay my bills when they come in. I had great notes with names dates and time of the calles for over three years. I called the highest up person in the hospital told them if they did not drop this lawsuit, I would countersue, and take it to the local newspapers.
A week later I got a dismissal, and a letter of apology and a letter stating from the hospital that I could take to explain that this was a mistake and the mark on my credit will be erased asap.
Credit companys need to check out the bills sent to them. The hospital kept changing the bill number to get it through. But the dates and charges were the same.
#31 Consumer Suggestion
Advice for Rick the collector regarding MORALS and bad debt
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Are you serious? What about the morals and ethics of these lenders? As soon as unsecured credit is offered responsibly, I will agree with you. However, responsibility goes both ways.
And, FYI. The STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS determines how long a debt can be legally collected, not morals. And, the federal law/FCRA determines how long it can be reported, not morals.
Now, you are telling us that debt collectors use morals and ethics when collecting? I hope this is not what you expect us to believe.
MORALS? Plleeaassse!
FYI. I never ran from anything, especially a debt collector. I simply told them to go straight to hell, and calmly walked away. All but 2 of my creditors got greedy and doubled and even tripled my low fixed rates for no other reason than the amount of credit I carried. I had the ability and willingness to pay, but would not be extorted. I had spotless credit for 14 years and a 735 credit score when I WALKED away. I tried to fix the problem with them for 2-3 months but they all gave me a take it or leave it attitude.
Were these the morals you were speaking of?
BTW, the 2 creditors that did not try raping me have been paid, 1 current, and 1 paid off. I used them to rebuild my credit.
#32 Consumer Suggestion
Response to Rick the Collector..You STILL need to learn how to read!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
You assume many things as things we "stated".
I never said I'm "running" from any debts.
I never said I am having problems with collectors.
What about the morals of the "creditors"
Etc.Etc.Etc.
I have no time or patience to go into all of it again as it is in several posts here on Rip Off Report already. However, I never STOLE anything from anyone, and I never INTENDED to defraud anyone. Therefore, nothing here has anything to do with morals on my part.
I had spotless credit and a 735 credit score with over $200k in credit and 34 accounts. I had never had a late payment on anything, and I had the willingness and ability to pay. HOWEVER,
All at once all but 2 creditors decided to drastically increase my interest rates, some doubled and even tripled overnight, all because of the amount of credit I carried, allegedly. Keep in mind I was in good standing on all accounts, and not paying just minimums on any account.
I called each creditor on numerous occasions over a 2-3 month period attempting to fix the problem. They all gave me a take it or leave it attitude, so I LEFT IT! They got burned ONLY because their own lack of morals, irresponsible lending practices, and greed and arrogance.
It's nice to know the facts before making assumptions.
please read the post and get your facts straight before judging others~!
#34 Consumer Comment
"Steve and Linda where is your integrity?"
AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 09, 2006
You all have this so backwards. You have lost the point somewhere between crack smoking insults and the FDCPA. Bottom line is?none of the crap matters. PAY YOUR BILLS. If a collector smokes crack?who cares? Make sure there is no need for collectors and PAY YOUR BILLS! If there are violations of the FDCPA?why is that?.Oh yea?YOU DIDN'T PAY YOUR BILLS!
Don't you guys get the point that I have made over and over again? Do you not see what ?J? is trying to say? Maybe this will sink in:
1. THERE ARE deadbeats who refuse to pay their obligation therefore creating a need for collections. Whether internally by the creditors, or through outsourcing, there is a need.
2. These deadbeats stand for 3% of the 5% of a creditors collection portfolio. The other 1-2% is legitimate hardships. Steve/Linda ? You have both said you are running from your debt. Steve ? you have even admitted to taking ?under the counter? jobs just to avoid paying your debt. Where do you two fall as responsible citizens? This shows a lack of integrity on both of your behalves.
3. If the American public would slow their greed, spend accordingly, and become more responsible we would have less and less of a need for collections therefore, eliminating the filth and promoting the good.
Steve ? You are right. Time will fix everything. That is not the question here. The questions is (and trust me, this will be my last attempt at reaching all of you):
In a world where we are all judged on our morals and integrity, and credit is granted based on the hard work you have put into your life, why run from your obligations? If you are a father not paying your child support obligation are you not a deadbeat? If buy a home or car and live beyond your means to ?keep up with the Jones? until it catches up with you and then complain because your in collections?.ARE YOU NOT A DEADBEAT? ?They did this to me? or ?I feel harassed??.this is all BS. You have a lack of integrity. Whether its 7 days late, 7 months, 7 years or 17 years, pay what you are morally obligated to and you do not have these problems. 9 times out of 10 you can show me what you think is a legitimate hardship preventing you from paying your debt and I will show you the work-around. Fact is, Steve and Linda listen close here, if you want something done almost each and every person can make that happen one way or another. You have all figured out a way to manipulate your finances to get that toy for your child, that great meal at a fine restaurant, that car you cant quite afford, or those $150.00 jeans that you think looked so good. If you found a way to buy these things you could have paid your existing bills. OR MAYBE, your finances were manipulated by not having the money for these things and using the credit you cannot repay. Why complain about collections?..just don't end up there. If something catastrophic happens that prevents you from paying your bills then prove it and have them dismissed, or better yet, pay them when you can!
We all need to realize that in a perfect world there is no debt. Unfortunately we are not in a perfect world and WE ARE ALL IN DEBT in one-way or another. WE ALL made an adult and conscious decision to use this credit therefore, WE ALL HAVE THE MORAL OBLIGATION TO REPAY IT!
Get beyond the senseless rhetoric posted above and get to the point:
At the end of the day, I OWE THIS DEBT. If I am not the 1-2% of consumers in a catastrophic situation, I OWE THIS DEBT. 1 year, 7 years, 17 years later, I OWE THIS DEBT. MORALLY I OWE THIS DEBT.
#35 Consumer Suggestion
More education for "J" the UCB collector
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 07, 2006
You are very good at calling other people ignorant, but it is you who knows very little of the things you speak of.
In many cases, a JUNK DEBT BUYER and a COLLECION AGENCY are one and the same. This is because MOST collection agencies buy debt portfolios to falsely inflate their bottom line and make their net worth appear larger, as they use the face value of the debts instead of the actual value or price paid.
I can buy several of these portfolios today for 1/4 to 1/10th of a penny on the dollar.
FYI.. MOST Junk Debt Buyers ARE COLLECTION AGENCIES.
So I guess the ignorance you spoke of begins at home in your cubicle at UCB.
#36 Consumer Comment
The Bottom Line Is....
AUTHOR: Deana - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, October 06, 2006
My credit report? It's actually pretty good...
There is never a good time to deal with the puke stains at UCB.
All the collectors at UCB must be graduates of the Boyajian School of, "how to make your career as a collector short one".
I'd like to see the credit reports of 99% of the collectors who call and harangue people...bet they'd be mighty embarassed to be shown to the public as the "dead-beats" they claim their victims are!
Have fun kids.
Have fun kids.
Have fun kids.
as for j
what steve said:
"A charge off scores EXACTLY the same as a paid collection. The ONLY difference in the scoring between the two is the paid collection is recent, thus lowering your credit score more than the charge off."
is exactly my point...why would you want to pay a charge off account if it doesnt help you in any way? NEGATIVE IS NEGATIVE.
And as for your comment about a signed contract. What about the bottom feeders who hound you when the account isnt even yours? I have a credit report from 2003 that states I had an account with Empire Wireless since 1997, I have never had an account with them! Never even heard of them. Well the account was moved from collection agency to collection agency the last 9 years(this is what they do, JUNK DEBT BUYING) and when a new agency claimed it was a "new account" it lowed my score. Getting tons of calls from all of them I found this website and serveral other resources and was able to stop the calls and I was able to get the collection agencys off my credit report! My score has jumped almost 40 points because of this!!
So in your mind I am supposed to pay this account??...I dont find that very fair!
as for j
what steve said:
"A charge off scores EXACTLY the same as a paid collection. The ONLY difference in the scoring between the two is the paid collection is recent, thus lowering your credit score more than the charge off."
is exactly my point...why would you want to pay a charge off account if it doesnt help you in any way? NEGATIVE IS NEGATIVE.
And as for your comment about a signed contract. What about the bottom feeders who hound you when the account isnt even yours? I have a credit report from 2003 that states I had an account with Empire Wireless since 1997, I have never had an account with them! Never even heard of them. Well the account was moved from collection agency to collection agency the last 9 years(this is what they do, JUNK DEBT BUYING) and when a new agency claimed it was a "new account" it lowed my score. Getting tons of calls from all of them I found this website and serveral other resources and was able to stop the calls and I was able to get the collection agencys off my credit report! My score has jumped almost 40 points because of this!!
So in your mind I am supposed to pay this account??...I dont find that very fair!
as for j
what steve said:
"A charge off scores EXACTLY the same as a paid collection. The ONLY difference in the scoring between the two is the paid collection is recent, thus lowering your credit score more than the charge off."
is exactly my point...why would you want to pay a charge off account if it doesnt help you in any way? NEGATIVE IS NEGATIVE.
And as for your comment about a signed contract. What about the bottom feeders who hound you when the account isnt even yours? I have a credit report from 2003 that states I had an account with Empire Wireless since 1997, I have never had an account with them! Never even heard of them. Well the account was moved from collection agency to collection agency the last 9 years(this is what they do, JUNK DEBT BUYING) and when a new agency claimed it was a "new account" it lowed my score. Getting tons of calls from all of them I found this website and serveral other resources and was able to stop the calls and I was able to get the collection agencys off my credit report! My score has jumped almost 40 points because of this!!
So in your mind I am supposed to pay this account??...I dont find that very fair!
as for j
what steve said:
"A charge off scores EXACTLY the same as a paid collection. The ONLY difference in the scoring between the two is the paid collection is recent, thus lowering your credit score more than the charge off."
is exactly my point...why would you want to pay a charge off account if it doesnt help you in any way? NEGATIVE IS NEGATIVE.
And as for your comment about a signed contract. What about the bottom feeders who hound you when the account isnt even yours? I have a credit report from 2003 that states I had an account with Empire Wireless since 1997, I have never had an account with them! Never even heard of them. Well the account was moved from collection agency to collection agency the last 9 years(this is what they do, JUNK DEBT BUYING) and when a new agency claimed it was a "new account" it lowed my score. Getting tons of calls from all of them I found this website and serveral other resources and was able to stop the calls and I was able to get the collection agencys off my credit report! My score has jumped almost 40 points because of this!!
So in your mind I am supposed to pay this account??...I dont find that very fair!
#44 Consumer Suggestion
Thanks to LINDA, and someReal advice for "J" the collector
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 05, 2006
Thanks for the help. But only one clarification. The 7 year reporting time does not start over just by making a payment. Some states allow the extension of the 7 year rule only if the SOL was reset, and that is what is being reported. Another way the reporting can get extended past 7 years is if a NEW account was created through re-affirmation of the debt. An original debt, left alone, can only be reported for 7 years.
SOL is different in every state, and making a payment will reset the SOL for collections enforcement such as lawsuits, judgements and garnishment. SOL is different than 7 year FCRA reporting.
Now for "J",
I really love when someone as uneducated and illiterate attempt to slam me and correct me. You are truly a moron. I was very clear in my response, but you have marginal reading and comprehension ability, so I will make it simple for you.
First, I was in the mortgage business. I worked in both the wholesale and retail sides of the business. I was a loan officer for a conventional lender and also an originator for 3 loan brokers. I dealt directly with underwriter every day and have closed hundreds of loans. I know exactly how credit scoring works.
I'll make it simple so your little feeble debt collector cubicle confined crack smoking brain can get it.
Negative is Negative. Period. It makes no difference about ability or willingness to pay. The scoring is the same.
A charge off scores EXACTLY the same as a paid collection. The ONLY difference in the scoring between the two is the paid collection is recent, thus lowering your credit score more than the charge off. I made this clear in the previous post.
The only reason lenders make you pay off in stat collections, etc. is that they do not want liens filed on THEIR collateral. If you default on the loan and collectors have leins on the property, they have to be paid. It has nothing to do with helping your credit score, they are protecting themselves.
There is no reason to EVER speak to a debt collector on the phone as it will NEVER do anything positive for anyone but the collector.
There is no reason to ever pay a third party collector, as it will only hurt your credit score. Therefore all contact with collectors should be cut off entirely, as only about 5% of collections, or less ever go to court, and of those even fewer ever see even 1 cent if they do win in court.
The moral of the story is always just make the bottomfeeders spend the time and money to sue you, as most won't. That is a firm, verifiable statistic. Never ignore a summons. Have fun with it, then sue them when they lie, and/or falsify documents as they are sure to do.
So, "J" the collector, those are the facts. I guess "J" stands for JUNIOR, as I was in the mortgage business probably before you were born.
You know nothing, and you are illiterate. Get educated, put your crack pipe down and go back to your cubicle.
#45 Consumer Comment
When a collection account on a credit report is not paid after a certain TIME (7 years) it will be DELETED off the credit report.
AUTHOR: J - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 05, 2006
"When a collection account on a credit report is not paid after a certain TIME (7 years) it will be DELETED off the credit report. This is what Steve meant by waiting time. Why would someone who has a collection account that only has 3 years left of the 7 years? If they did pay it then this would start the 7 years completely over and show as a 'paid collection' which is a 'negative' mark on their credit report instead of completly gone! (postive mark)"
Gone is neither positive or negative, its just not there. And unlike some peeps on these boards I can actually read. If you could read you might realize i was stating that paid collection is a less severe bad mark than unpaid.
"what would you do if you only had 3 more years to wait until a tradeline would be dropped from your report and this was the only 'negative' tradeline on your report? would you leave it alone and wait the 3 years when it completely drops off so you could finally buy that house, car, boat or whatever, or would you 'be a good little citizin' and pay the 4 year old collection and have to wait 7 YEARS before buying that house, boat or car??? hmmmm???
so please think before you type"
Ahh, where to begin, where to begin....Lets take the point i know from personal experience first. Most mortgage lenders will simply ask you to repay
the detremental item before getting you the loan, or they will work with you to get the item paid by incorporating it in the loan. Crazy huh? Maybe a slight increase in the intrest rate but thats about all that will happen. Keep in mind im not talking about a really large debt, say over 5 k, but some may even get that financed for you.
Second, why in the world do you want to have the account continue in the collections cyle? I mean really do you want calls every other day or so for years? Come on man,thats just silly. And if by good little citizin you mean someone who knows they signed the contract and tries to repay it, well yes i am, thanks.
And as to the "think" remark well.....
I think I signed the contract, I think I should at least TRY to repay it.
Thanks for playing.....
#46 Consumer Comment
to help out a little bit
AUTHOR: Linda - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 04, 2006
You wrote:
"And another factor is the severity and length of delinquency. But you neglect to mention THAT little piece of information. Guess it doesnt fit your argument.
and steve tried to tell you:
"I know exactly how credit scoring works. Paying a collection accout DOES hurt your score more than just letting it go. The main factor in credit scoring is how recent the activity is, positive or negative."
so here is my take on it:
When a collection account on a credit report is not paid after a certain TIME (7 years) it will be DELETED off the credit report. This is what Steve meant by waiting time. Why would someone who has a collection account that only has 3 years left of the 7 years? If they did pay it then this would start the 7 years completely over and show as a 'paid collection' which is a 'negative' mark on their credit report instead of completly gone! (postive mark)
you wrote:
"Paying the account indicates ability and willingness to pay. Again affecting your score."
you just didnt let people know the 'whole truth' j
so here it is "J"
what would you do if you only had 3 more years to wait until a tradeline would be dropped from your report and this was the only 'negative' tradeline on your report? would you leave it alone and wait the 3 years when it completely drops off so you could finally buy that house, car, boat or whatever, or would you 'be a good little citizin' and pay the 4 year old collection and have to wait 7 YEARS before buying that house, boat or car??? hmmmm???
so please think before you type
#47 Consumer Comment
a collection agency has no right to harass us
AUTHOR: Charles - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 04, 2006
"J",
"I know exactly how credit scoring works. Paying a collection accout DOES hurt your score more than just letting it go. The main factor in credit scoring is how recent the activity is, positive or negative."
And another factor is the severity and length of delinquency. But you neglect to mention THAT little piece of information. Guess it doesnt fit your argument.
"If you have a 4 year old collection account and pay it, now you have a recent "paid collection". The paid collection and the open collection score exactly the same, negative."
Paying the account indicates ability and willingness to pay. Again affecting your score. If you dont like something dont mention it. Right steve??
"Time is the key to all credit scoring. That was my point. People think that paying a collection account removes it or makes it positive. It does NOT. A negative will always be a negative, and the only thing that removes it is time. The only thing that lessens the impact on your credit score is time."
Paying the account is less of a negative than leaving it unpaid. But hey youre batting a thousand, why stop now?
Steve - Bradenton, Florida
U.S.A.
Rebuttal Consumer Suggestion
Submitted: 10/4/2006 7:06:18 AM Modified: 10/4/2006 7:06:18 AM
"Furthermore, "J" the collector is just mad I am educating people how to beat collectors!"
Just mad? LOL, no you give people bad info, thats my problem with you, if your gonna "educate" anyone start with yourself.
"J",
"I suggest you find a new line of work, because you are totally clueless as to how credit reporting works."
Again steve, go talk to a lender, see what they say to you about unpaid bills on your credit. You might be in for a shock. (Try going to a REAL mortgage lender for a home loan and see what they tell you about your collections..)
"You are really upset by my posts, because I educate people on how to avoid and/or beat bottomfeeders like you."
Again, bad info, makes me a little irritated but hey, weve all got pet peeves.
"The profile of a debt collector is a very scary one. Most collectors have a need for power as they were abused as children or something of the kind. They have a need to "get even". They enjoy terrorizing little old ladies and handicapped people from the safety of their cubicle while hiding behind a phone."
LOL, youve got issues man. Maybe you were abused but..I dont know you and i dont presume to know anything about you other than the fact that you seem ignorant.
"Collectors speak to people behind the safety of the phone and being anonymous, when they would never speak to anyone like that face to face."
Hmm, I try to be as eloquent and intelligent as I can both on the phone and off and I try to speak to everyone that way, but hey, you must be used to dealing with people just like you.
"Collectors are usually on some sort of power trip, they have a need for control, and when someone like me takes away that power and control, people like "J" get on the defensive in an attempt to regain control."
Whatever man, I just want to obey the law and try to get you to pay your bill, if you dont want to I move on. Because the next call will pay me.
"The truth is, collectors are ABSOLUTELY POWERLESS, and you should NEVER speak to a collector on the phone, and you should NEVER pay a collector. These are absolute proven facts that all effective consumer advocates agree on."
Riiiight, just keep the account in the collections cycle forever, just keep letting them call you forever. That sounds like a truly intelligent idea. If youre like steve.
"Make them accountable so you can sue them and even prosecute them. That is why you only communicate with a collector in writing, and by certified mail, return reciept requested."
And it comes shining through, the ignorance that is. Steve, if a collector violates, 99.99999999999999999999999999999% of the time that person/company will ONLY be liable under federal and or state statues and NOT under criminal ones. Did you ever hear of a collector being arrested for things they said on the phone? No. Did you ever hear of a collector being criminally prosecuted and not in civil court but criminal court? No. Theres a reason for that steveo... And i absolutely love the misconceptions about certified mail with return receipt, all that means if you get the receipt is someone signed for it. Does the letter mean any more? No. Does it mean they didnt get a laugh out of it and then shred it? No.
"Think about it, if the collector could actually do something, they would have no need to speak to you, they would just do it, right? They need to speak to you so they can lie to you, trick you, intimidate you into validating a debt they cannot validate without your help."
Steve, my man, youve got some serious misconceptions about how LAW ABIDING collections agencies work. We want to talk to you to get you to pay the bill to make our client happy, and well work with you to try to get that done. Thats it! Lying, tricking people and intimidation are ALL violations of the fdcpa and state laws usually as well. NO INTELLIGENT COLLECTOR is going to risk his livelyhood to lie to you or whomever to get you to pay your 70.00 cable bill, or your 7,000$ dollar loan. Its just not worth it.
On a small side note the agency i used to work for had a 10 person legal department whose purposes were to work with people if possible, and if not to obtain judgement if an asset was present and execute on that judgement.
"STAY OFF THE PHONE!!!"
Sure pay it by mail, that way its done and out of your hair. Best suggestion ive seen from you.
#49 Consumer Comment
STEVE, STEVE, STEVE
AUTHOR: Lori - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 04, 2006
#50 Consumer Suggestion
Furthermore, "J" the collector is just mad I am educating people how to beat collectors!
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 04, 2006
I suggest you find a new line of work, because you are totally clueless as to how credit reporting works.
You are really upset by my posts, because I educate people on how to avoid and/or beat bottomfeeders like you.
The profile of a debt collector is a very scary one. Most collectors have a need for power as they were abused as children or something of the kind. They have a need to "get even". They enjoy terrorizing little old ladies and handicapped people from the safety of their cubicle while hiding behind a phone.
Collectors speak to people behind the safety of the phone and being anonymous, when they would never speak to anyone like that face to face.
Collectors are usually on some sort of power trip, they have a need for control, and when someone like me takes away that power and control, people like "J" get on the defensive in an attempt to regain control.
The truth is, collectors are ABSOLUTELY POWERLESS, and you should NEVER speak to a collector on the phone, and you should NEVER pay a collector. These are absolute proven facts that all effective consumer advocates agree on.
Make them accountable so you can sue them and even prosecute them. That is why you only communicate with a collector in writing, and by certified mail, return reciept requested.
Think about it, if the collector could actually do something, they would have no need to speak to you, they would just do it, right? They need to speak to you so they can lie to you, trick you, intimidate you into validating a debt they cannot validate without your help.
STAY OFF THE PHONE!!!
#51 Consumer Suggestion
Info for "J", I used to be a Mortgage Broker and loan Officer
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 04, 2006
I know exactly how credit scoring works. Paying a collection accout DOES hurt your score more than just letting it go. The main factor in credit scoring is how recent the activity is, positive or negative.
If you have a 4 year old collection account and pay it, now you have a recent "paid collection". The paid collection and the open collection score exactly the same, negative.
Time is the key to all credit scoring. That was my point. People think that paying a collection account removes it or makes it positive. It does NOT. A negative will always be a negative, and the only thing that removes it is time. The only thing that lessens the impact on your credit score is time.
#52 Consumer Comment
I missed one little thing
AUTHOR: J - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Ugh, a little logic nips this one in the bud. A paid collection is a PAID account which means that instead of it being delinquent anymore it has been resolved. Wheras charge off means the creditor has written the account off as bad debt. And if recency had anything to do with anything why would creditors and bureaus make such a big deal about reporting days delinquent? Credit reports steve, are for the benefit of creditors and were created by them in order to assist in judging how bad a credit risk a person is, and part of that risk assessment is looking at how long a person hasnt paid their bills.
You ALL need to educate yourselves.
To my "friends" at ucb. THE FDCPA IS NOT A FRIGGIN GUIDELINE! ITS THE LAW AND IT REQUIRES YOUR OBIDIENCE!! Having been a collector for ten years it disgusted me when not one but TWO of your collectors violated the fdcpa on my voicemail. ON THE SAME DAY!!! But the best part is when I called your agency and you guys violated state law as well. The FDCPA is not rocket science, you dont lie, insult, misrepresnt, or harass and youll generally be ok, but apparently that was difficult for two of your collectors to understand. Breaking the law is bad, breaking the law on a voicemail, is really bad, but breaking the law on the voicemail of a guy who has been doing collections for most of ten years..Priceless.
To steve and all the people on the other side, my first suggestion would be to go and check with a loan officer and just see what gets you the lower rate, a paid collection or an unpaid collection. and as for paying not stopping collections calls, well, i dont work for ucb there so god knows what they do, but I know wherever I worked we sent pif letters and didnt bother the people again. You guys also might want to look up the difference between civil and credit statutes of limitations. It will shock you to reailize that in some states you can be collected on years after the credit statute expires. You can even be called after the civil statute expired the agency just cant do anything involuntary.
When I have to contact individuals I try to work out what they can really do with them, I dont mock them, insult them or any of that nonsense, but Ive got to be honest, when i get off the phone with guys like steve here, I laugh. A lot.
#54 Consumer Suggestion
Response to Bobbie the collector, You might want to get educated first
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
If you actually knew anything about credit scoring you would understand my post.
Paying on an old collection account actually hurts a persons credit score much more than just letting it go past SOL. You see, on a negative item, the score is worse the more recent it is.
AND, paying the collection just shows on your credit file as a paid collection. It does not remove it from your file or make it a positive. It is still a negative equal to the collection for scoring purposes.
FYI Paying a collector is not the only way to get rid of them. I have never paid any collector, and have gotten rid of all of them. I have never paid a dime and I have no judgements on me at all. It is now 5 years and past the legal SOL.
So, what exactly was your point? Ignorant jibberish? I think not. My performance speaks for itself. I have nothing to prove to you.
How does anyone know that you're African-American when you're attempting to collect a debt by phone?
What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? Debt Collection Agencies prey on people when they are most vunerable. You and people like you justify and enjoy kicking people when they are already down. You get some sick pleasure from verbally hammering consumers who would much rather pay the bill if they could than take another one of your vicious calls. Constant calls, presumptuous allegations and despicable assertions do not magically create the ability to crap out dollar bills.
Although I do not agree with the use of the "N" word at anytime, I have to say to you, how does that medicine taste? After all, it's nothing personal, right?
#56 Consumer Comment
Need some advice, Bobbie
AUTHOR: Kim - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
So what more do I need to do, Bobbie? This whole thing is Verizon's fault, by their own admission and they have sent a letter stating as much to UCB. Can you imagine how annoying it is having you and your co-workers calling me on a daily basis telling me I'm a liar and a deadbeat and insisting I send money for a bill I don't owe or they'll ruin my credit? I won't hold my breath waiting for an apology from UBC.
#57 UPDATE Employee
It didn't take long for someone to prove my point, Thanx, Deana
AUTHOR: Bobbie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Here's the skinny, mate... within ten seconds of hanging up with an irrate debtor, I will be on the phone with another one. I am African-American, and you wouldn't believe how many times I get called the "N" word in a normal business day. So you have to learn to let those type of people, and the ignorant things they say, role off of your back. The point I'm getting at is, yeah Deana, you might get a kick out of a little three minute battle of whits, but at the end of the conversation you still in debt, you still have a charge off on your credit, and, the biggest nail in the coffin, I will call you again in a couple of days and get paid for it.
In closing, so what if, every now and then, you get the best of a debt collector, Deana, because one minute after the hang up, I wont even remember your name...so have fun.
#58 Consumer Suggestion
Response to Bobby the Collector - I can STOP collections activity WITHOUT paying! You are a moron, like most collectors.
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Do you really believe that jibberish you are spewing? Do you really think that the only way to stop collections is to pay? You are a moron, like most collectors. I have shut down every collections attempt and lawuit over the past 5 years, and now am past SOL on all except one debt, and have not paid 1 dime to any of them. Why is that?
Furthermore, paying an old collection account will HURT the debtors credit. The more recent a negative is, the more damage it does. Furthermore, the payment WILL NOT remove the negative, it will now show as a PAID COLLECTION which scores the same as a charge off, but now is more recent. Do you really think you understand credit scoring? I'll bet you have no idea how it works based on that comment.
You are the typical uneducated debt collector that will come on here for a week or two, then we will never hear from you again after you get fired.
Bobby,You wrote:
To Steve
"It never does the debtor any good to pay a third party collection agency"? Steve, what kind of ignorant gibberish is that? First, it will stop all collection, which it seems everyone's getting bent out of shape about. Secondly, it will show "paid" on their credit, as opposed to a charge off. And, in my opinion, most importantly, be a person of your word".
Granted, there ARE legitimate reasons why people CAN'T (not won't) pay their bills, but for every person that CAN'T, there are hundreds of others that can and use the excuses of the uncapable to get around paying. So yes I, personally, will use all the tools and strategies know to me to collect from those people. To the people who get their feelings hurt in the process...Be a big boy and suck it up. Nothing personal.
Bobbie - TOLEDO, Ohio
U.S.A.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bobby, if you know so much, how come you fools couldnt collect from me? You tried TWICE and each time I STOPPED YOU COLD in a week.
Also keep in mind that the individual collector can be sued and prosecuted individually, as well as the agency. I always file suit on the collector. Do you think your company will defend you? NO! They will fire you. Then you are unemployed, defending against my lawsuit.
Thats how the real world works junior. Learn the game before attempting to put me down or "eduacate" me.
#59 Consumer Comment
Bobbie, I want to thank you....
AUTHOR: Deana - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Yes, I am quickly becoming a self-taught expert on how to cut you debt collectors off at the knees! I would rather never have another penny of credit again than give you tape worms one thin dime. Thank God their are sites like my very favorite consumer advocate, Mr. Hibbs has...
You are so full of it I have to laugh. Oh sure, you sound so reasonable, but you and all others like you have a field day when you are behind your phones.
I beat them, though....I look at it collectively...so consider yourself whipped! By a girl even! One that you harrassed most likely....teehee....You and your crones will never be able to contact me ever again...
I wish you all the joy you have brought to people over time.....See ya sucker!
Granted, there ARE legitimate reasons why people CAN'T (not won't) pay their bills, but for every person that CAN'T, there are hundreds of others that can and use the excuses of the uncapable to get around paying. So yes I, personally, will use all the tools and strategies know to me to collect from those people. To the people who get their feelings hurt in the process...Be a big boy and suck it up. Nothing personal.
#61 Consumer Suggestion
Response and advice to Bobby the UCB Collector..
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
That is the typical debt collector BS I would expect. However, that is not the way it works. Many people have legitimate reasons for not paying debts, however once it is assigned to a third party collector, paying it will never do anything for the debtor, therefore there is no reason to pay it.
Paying that debt in collections will just show as a paid collection, which is still a negative, but now the 7 years negative reporting starts all over again.
If the original creditor wanted to get paid, they would have worked something out instead of turning it over to collections.
When creditors start practicing responsible lending of unsecured credit, I will then feel sorry for them losing thier money.
There is no reason for anyone to communicate with a third party collector. It will never do anything positive for the debtor. You are not customer service. You are bloodsucking parasites who only care about your commission and do whatever it takes to get it, even breaking the law.
Think about it, if the debt is valid and you have the right to collect it, why are the phone calls needed? Just send one letter, then file the lawsuit. No harassment required.
#62 Consumer Comment
What about when the Third party collection agency has wrong information?
AUTHOR: Janice - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 11, 2006
You don't want these barracudas after you and the thing that upsets me the most, is seeing the many notes on an account where the customer has called many times and tried to work with us and then they the third party collection agencies get a hold of them and ruin all the communication we have built to collect our debt.
The one that really upsets me and I have seen this one alot lately is when the collection agency starts harassing customers that do not even have an account with us, simply because that person has the same name. I get to take those calls and have to let those customers vent at me, simply because the third party agency is ruthless, rude and I personally do not think that is necessary. Even in bill collecting we can have some dignity and professionalism in our job. Ever heard you catch more flies with honey? Actually it works I demonstrate this everyday with our customers. And just maybe you have the wrong information.... At least check out the facts. I do.
I agree you do a job. But, sometimes their are facts that are not what they seem and you do more to ruin a companies name than to help anyone in collecting a debt.
#63 Consumer Comment
What about when the Third party collection agency has wrong information?
AUTHOR: Janice - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 11, 2006
You don't want these barracudas after you and the thing that upsets me the most, is seeing the many notes on an account where the customer has called many times and tried to work with us and then they the third party collection agencies get a hold of them and ruin all the communication we have built to collect our debt.
The one that really upsets me and I have seen this one alot lately is when the collection agency starts harassing customers that do not even have an account with us, simply because that person has the same name. I get to take those calls and have to let those customers vent at me, simply because the third party agency is ruthless, rude and I personally do not think that is necessary. Even in bill collecting we can have some dignity and professionalism in our job. Ever heard you catch more flies with honey? Actually it works I demonstrate this everyday with our customers. And just maybe you have the wrong information. At least check out the facts. I do.
I agree you do a job. But, sometimes there are facts that are not what they seem and you do more to ruin a companies name than to help anyone in collecting a debt.
#64 UPDATE Employee
WHY NOT JUST PAY YOUR BILLS?
AUTHOR: Bobbie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 11, 2006
And as far as illegal practices, pay attentin to detail. Its not what you say its how you say it. Just because you were told that UCB was going to verify employment dosen't mean your wadges wll be garnished, if thats how you take it, thats your own fault. Anyone can verify your employment. Just like debtors have there way of avoiding us, we have our way of getting your attention. The only difference is were trained.
In closing, if your tired of UCB calling you, and your family, and your friends, and your job...then simply pay your bills. Where's the honor?
#65 Consumer Comment
I am a victim also
AUTHOR: Tiffany - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 20, 2006
I later that day received a message that was sent through my mom from uncle that moved to Texas and has an unlisted number. They called him and said they were attorneys looking for me to settle some debt. I again called UCB and asked why they were spreading my business all over the country and why they were not calling me instead of family members. I asked why they could not send me anything in the mail, and how do I know that they are real? She told me not to worry about just get out my checkbook and take care of this today. If anyone is ready to pursue this please count me in.
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
#66 Consumer Suggestion
UCB violated with that note
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, December 25, 2005
It is only allowable to contact a third party ONE time, and ONLY in an effort to determine the whereabouts of the debtor.
It IS ILLEGAL to in any way indicate that you are a debt collector.
To the "employeee" of UCB: Have you ever actually read the FDCPA? Do you even know how to read?
Probably not, as that is why you are working as a collector for a bottom feeder like UCB.
#67 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fired for being a victum at Uinted Collection Bureau, i was threaten for my life
AUTHOR: Jalon - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 24, 2005
You can reach me at dvsly12b@yahoo.com, we together as a witness i am willing to bring justice to the american people and serve what is right. This company is wrong and evil. someone please contact me. 561-541-8468.Let justice be served to the wrong.I to have broken the law and willing to testify for what is right.
#68 Consumer Comment
To the employee of UCB
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 30, 2005
#69 Consumer Comment
To the employee of UCB
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 30, 2005
#70 Consumer Comment
To the employee of UCB
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 30, 2005
#71 Consumer Comment
To the employee of UCB
AUTHOR: Steve - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 30, 2005
#72 Consumer Suggestion
I have a tape of UCB debt collectors abuse and lies
AUTHOR: Tracy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 17, 2005
#73 Consumer Suggestion
Introducing Elmer To The Real World
AUTHOR: S.n. - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 21, 2005
#74 Consumer Comment
Bill Payment A bit of advice
AUTHOR: Elmer - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The reason for so many bad credit reports is the lack of paying your bills ON TIME! They cannot come after you if you make an effort in paying them.
Also. CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#75 Consumer Comment
Bill Payment A bit of advice
AUTHOR: Elmer - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The reason for so many bad credit reports is the lack of paying your bills ON TIME! They cannot come after you if you make an effort in paying them.
Also. CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#76 Consumer Comment
Bill Payment A bit of advice
AUTHOR: Elmer - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The reason for so many bad credit reports is the lack of paying your bills ON TIME! They cannot come after you if you make an effort in paying them.
Also. CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#77 Consumer Comment
Bill Payment A bit of advice
AUTHOR: Elmer - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The reason for so many bad credit reports is the lack of paying your bills ON TIME! They cannot come after you if you make an effort in paying them.
Also. CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#78 REBUTTAL Individual responds
Problems with United collections bureau originating from Southshore Hospital
AUTHOR: Rich - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 10, 2005
#79 Consumer Comment
Collection Agencies are like this!
AUTHOR: Helen - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 26, 2005
Be aware of your rights!
#80 Consumer Suggestion
Are you for real?
AUTHOR: Bob - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 26, 2005
Threaten lawsuits when they have no intention of filing or have no right to file;
Threaten jail;
Threaten repossion of property they have no legal right to repossess;
Add on fees for which the law does not allow;
Call at odd hours of the night;
Send letters to family or friends telling them that the debtor is a deadbeat.
There is much much more and it is a great money maker for attorneys.
#81 Consumer Comment
They do illegal practices
AUTHOR: Kristy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 25, 2005
The lady I ended up talking to told me they served me personally. I laughed and said thats hard to believe because I havent lived at that address for 6 months. How can a collection company be awarded a judgment like this? I also recieved a letter in the mail they are trying to garnish my income tax refund. It said they were suppose to notify me within 14 days and they didnt notify me until February. They filed in December for the garnishment.
How do these companys get away with this crap??? The items they went after me for was for 2 medical bills from the hospital from when I had my son. I think something should be done about this company obviously they are not practicing ethical and legal laws.
#82 Consumer Comment
They do illegal practices
AUTHOR: Kristy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 25, 2005
The lady I ended up talking to told me they served me personally. I laughed and said thats hard to believe because I havent lived at that address for 6 months. How can a collection company be awarded a judgment like this? I also recieved a letter in the mail they are trying to garnish my income tax refund. It said they were suppose to notify me within 14 days and they didnt notify me until February. They filed in December for the garnishment.
How do these companys get away with this crap??? The items they went after me for was for 2 medical bills from the hospital from when I had my son. I think something should be done about this company obviously they are not practicing ethical and legal laws.
#83 Consumer Comment
They do illegal practices
AUTHOR: Kristy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 25, 2005
The lady I ended up talking to told me they served me personally. I laughed and said thats hard to believe because I havent lived at that address for 6 months. How can a collection company be awarded a judgment like this? I also recieved a letter in the mail they are trying to garnish my income tax refund. It said they were suppose to notify me within 14 days and they didnt notify me until February. They filed in December for the garnishment.
How do these companys get away with this crap??? The items they went after me for was for 2 medical bills from the hospital from when I had my son. I think something should be done about this company obviously they are not practicing ethical and legal laws.
#84 Consumer Comment
They do illegal practices
AUTHOR: Kristy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 25, 2005
The lady I ended up talking to told me they served me personally. I laughed and said thats hard to believe because I havent lived at that address for 6 months. How can a collection company be awarded a judgment like this? I also recieved a letter in the mail they are trying to garnish my income tax refund. It said they were suppose to notify me within 14 days and they didnt notify me until February. They filed in December for the garnishment.
How do these companys get away with this crap??? The items they went after me for was for 2 medical bills from the hospital from when I had my son. I think something should be done about this company obviously they are not practicing ethical and legal laws.
#85 UPDATE Employee
We do our job the best we can.
AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 30, 2004
This is not an easy job to do. We are trying to collect money from people that try their best to avoid us. Leaving messages with neighbors or calling relatives is our only way of getting the Debtors to call us back. It's not fun getting hanged up on all day or getting cursed out either, but we show up to work and do our best.
Each person we are trying to collect money from signed an agreement with the Credit Card Company letting them know that if they default on their agreement, collection acts will begin. We are just trying to fulfill the obligation of the person who signed that agreement.
We know that people have rough times in their lives and that things just go wrong, and most of us care enough to work with you. Don't be afraid to face your debts head on, and don't think every collection agency is a fraud. Just make sure if you make an arrangement that you can get it in writing and just call us back. Believe it or not, we are here to help.
#86 UPDATE Employee
We do our job the best we can.
AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 30, 2004
This is not an easy job to do. We are trying to collect money from people that try their best to avoid us. Leaving messages with neighbors or calling relatives is our only way of getting the Debtors to call us back. It's not fun getting hanged up on all day or getting cursed out either, but we show up to work and do our best.
Each person we are trying to collect money from signed an agreement with the Credit Card Company letting them know that if they default on their agreement, collection acts will begin. We are just trying to fulfill the obligation of the person who signed that agreement.
We know that people have rough times in their lives and that things just go wrong, and most of us care enough to work with you. Don't be afraid to face your debts head on, and don't think every collection agency is a fraud. Just make sure if you make an arrangement that you can get it in writing and just call us back. Believe it or not, we are here to help.
#87 UPDATE Employee
We do our job the best we can.
AUTHOR: Phyllis - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 30, 2004
This is not an easy job to do. We are trying to collect money from people that try their best to avoid us. Leaving messages with neighbors or calling relatives is our only way of getting the Debtors to call us back. It's not fun getting hanged up on all day or getting cursed out either, but we show up to work and do our best.
Each person we are trying to collect money from signed an agreement with the Credit Card Company letting them know that if they default on their agreement, collection acts will begin. We are just trying to fulfill the obligation of the person who signed that agreement.
We know that people have rough times in their lives and that things just go wrong, and most of us care enough to work with you. Don't be afraid to face your debts head on, and don't think every collection agency is a fraud. Just make sure if you make an arrangement that you can get it in writing and just call us back. Believe it or not, we are here to help.
#88 Consumer Comment
Don't pay them a dime until....
AUTHOR: Kathy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 03, 2004
I have had experience with this company and I know how they operate. They will break the law and make unfulfilled promises just to get you to send them as little as a dollar bill toward the debt. Don't send them a thing until you educate yourself as to what FAIR debt collection practices you are entitled to. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.FTC.org for information regarding this federal law and also your library! Good Luck!
P.S. To Stephanie from UCB...learn how to spell. If you are going to rebutt on behalf of your company please learn the proper use of the words "to" and "too".
#89 UPDATE Employee
We are not con-artists
AUTHOR: Stephanie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 24, 2004

