West Asset Management called me saying i owed money from an old credit card and told me the balance but it's stil the same after 2 payments Atlanta Georgia

One more thing, and this is VERY important:

Never, EVER give a collection agency your bank account or credit card info. Giving them access to your accounts is setting yourself up for problems. Big time. How do you know they will take only the amount they told you, on the schedule you agreed to? You don't! It's like giving them carte blanche with your money! Think of all the hassles involved with correcting THAT. If you already have given this info, I would seriously consider changing your account numbers and/or getting new credit cards with new numbers.

Everyday these guys call me. The only message they leave is a recording asking me to call a number. They don't identify themselves at all. The only way I know it's West Asset Management is from the info on my Caller ID. Like I'm really going to respond to a recording that doesn't even identify the party that's leaving the message... not.

I Googled them last night and saw they were debt collectors. Funny they show up here today on ROR. I have no idea what they would be trying to collect for.

Anyway, here's my recommendation for dealing with West Asset Management if they (or any other debt collector) call you:

1. Do not discuss ANYTHING with them over the phone. Ever. Period. By doing so it can be spun that you are acknowledging whatever debt they are trying to collect, whether it really is yours or not. This could be an issue if it's an old account past the time limit they can collect for it. If you acknowledge the debt, the clock may start all over again allowing further collection procedures.

2. Demand that they only contact you in writing through the mail (no emails!). If it's a legitimate debt, they should already have your address. Then hang up.

3. If you do get something in the mail, respond within 30 days that you need poof the debt is yours. Request the name of the company they are collecting on behalf of, the dates involved, any account numbers, and copies of any paperwork and/or contracts that includes your signature. Also include a statement that if they cannot provide this info to you within 30 days they are to stop contacting you altogether. If they cannot provide this proof and continue to contact you, they would be in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Send ALL correspondence by reigistered mail. Keep all copies and receipts.

4. Remember that you owe the debt collector nothing. If the debt they are collecting is real, and the statute of limitaions on collecting for it has not expired (it varies with each state), than your obligation is with the original creditor- not the collection agency. It's up to you if you want to settle through the collection agency. Either way, keep all records as this has the potential of hitting your credit at a later date even if you pay- do you really trust these companies to accuratley report to the credit agencies?

I hope these suggestions help. What you can and can't do may vary some from state to state. Here in Atlanta we have a radio show host named Clark Howard. If you Google him and find his site, you can see more details about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Priactices Act. I have also seen guy named Bud Hibbs referred to here on this site frequently. Might be worth a Google.

Good luck!