United Collections Bureau - Mike Florida called family members, harrassed saying they was going to garnish wages, sue, pressured us into making a payment. making repeated phone calls. ripoff Toledo. Ohio

Kristi,

I'm sorry to hear that you fell prey to these thugs and misfits. This is exactly why you NEVER speak to ANY debt collector on the phone.

Now, there are things you MUST do to protect yourself. The first is to IMMEDIATELY close any bank account you gave them the information on, and open a new one at a DIFFERENT bank. This is crucial. They WILL clean you out if you don't. Guaranteed.

It is ILLEGAL for any collector to threaten you with garnishments, etc. They simply cannot do it and they know it. This is a blatant violation of the FDCPA. You need to go to the ftc.gov website and read it, AND file a complaint against them online for the illegal activity.

Also, keep in mind that by making those payments, you legally affirmed the debt. It may not have been legally collectable prior to that. NEVER pay a third party debt collector. Always ignore them. Force them to sue, most won't.

You should immediately send them a CEASE COMMUNICATIONS request as per your rights under the FDCPA. Send this by certified mail, return reciept requested. Be sure to put the certified# on the letter itself and keep a copy for your records. This procedure is VERY important as it proves what you sent.

Also, by the means above, send them a demand for an itemization of ALL charges and FULL account history to be sure you are not overpaying. Demand reciepts for all payments.

STAY OFF THE PHONE!!!