Crazy Bill Collector

spix14 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 12:46 AM

So my grandma is a bit overdue on her credit card payment, and we get a call today. At first I think Christopher Walken is on the phone (I kid you not, sounded just like him) and then the guy starts getting rude as heck. Asking where she is, and "it's 2008, why doesn't she have a cell phone?" I tell the dude she's 89, what would she do with a cell phone? Whereupon he switches tactics and starts attacking me, wondering where she is if she's 89, and accusing me of signing up for the account without her knowledge, all kinds of crazy. I couldn't get hm to talk sense and he progressively got ruder and ruder, demanding to know my name and where my grandma was so I hung up on him.

Is this the usual mode of operation for these guys? Don't they have to at least be civil? I was shocked at how fast he got snarky and rude with me. Anyone else ever have this happen?

louise · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 12:50 AM

man maybe you could report him to his company. that is just crazy.

Special K · #3 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 12:51 AM

Props to you for being nice.

I wouldn't've. (I know, nice contraction, right?

)

Stargazer · #4 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 12:54 AM

Many of them are like this, unfortunately. And they treat you like a criminal.

spix14 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 12:55 AM

Well, I dunno, I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt to a certain extent, I mean it's their job, right? But once he turned to personal accusations, I wasn't quite as polite...maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I can't imagine what kind of company would allow their employees to accuse whoever answers the phone of random crimes. It boggles my mind.

Stargazer · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 12:57 AM

Credit card companies will even try to collect from you after you die (!), even if you die with a zero balance. If you don't close out the account , the zero balance will accumulate interest, and they will come after you for it. No joke.

WVW · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 01:02 AM

yeah I've had some really bad encounters with collectors. next time he calls, demand to speak with his super and then in a calm but firm manner file a complain about him and how he acted, and ask how they plan to deal with it and make it up to you.

dhonaker · #8 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 01:21 AM

they thank they can scare you anyone can be a tough guy on the phone when in reality there 5'4" and 95 lbs

Lucille · #9 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 01:44 AM

Debt Collection Practices

Xeikeness · #10 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 01:48 AM

Next time he calls, get his super on the phone. If you can, then get HIS boss on the phone. File a complaint. Then, tell them that the rude nature of the people from this company reflect very clearly how the company works, and you're going to take an offer of lower APR that you had previously denied because you THOUGHT they were a good company.

Once they scramble to cover their butts and sufficiently lower the APR, tell them if such a thing EVER happens again in the future, you will switch companies, close your account with them, and never look back, even if they lower your APR to .005%.

Works like a dream.

owen.richards · #11 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 03:16 AM

ill explain the story of this mans life. Every day as a child he dreamed of being a rough and tumble detective. At the age of 25, he finally started his trainging, three quarters of the way through the police academy, they decided he wasnt able to keep up with the other officers. He was kicked out of the police academy. He now works as a rent-a-cop doing part time mall security, and bill collecting. He still dreams of being a detective, but he knows that his dream has been shattered. Now the closest thing he can do to give him that detective feeling, is to harrass old ladies that havent paid their bills. He really looks forward though to wednesday evenings when he does mall security for $6 an hour at the local mini mall. There is a stair set out back where he gets to "citezen arrest" the 12 year old skateboarder crew...he cries himself to sleep everynight thinking about what he could have been

-KB- · #12 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owen.richards

ill explain the story of this mans life. Every day as a child he dreamed of being a rough and tumble detective. At the age of 25, he finally started his trainging, three quarters of the way through the police academy, they decided he wasnt able to keep up with the other officers. He was kicked out of the police academy. He now works as a rent-a-cop doing part time mall security, and bill collecting. He still dreams of being a detective, but he knows that his dream has been shattered. Now the closest thing he can do to give him that detective feeling, is to harrass old ladies that havent paid their bills. He really looks forward though to wednesday evenings when he does mall security for $6 an hour at the local mini mall. There is a stair set out back where he gets to "citezen arrest" the 12 year old skateboarder crew...he cries himself to sleep everynight thinking about what he could have been

LukaTisus · #13 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 09:07 AM

They sure are rude down there..

Even when I was having issues with my Credit Card up here, (Seriously, 18 year olds should not be allowed to have their own CC), they weren't that rude. They were actually quite polite.. I'm just glad I got a better job and was able to pay off that debt.. I learned my lesson, though.. I budget and manage my money a lot better.

Cameron...G · #14 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owen.richards

ill explain the story of this mans life. Every day as a child he dreamed of being a rough and tumble detective. At the age of 25, he finally started his trainging, three quarters of the way through the police academy, they decided he wasnt able to keep up with the other officers. He was kicked out of the police academy. He now works as a rent-a-cop doing part time mall security, and bill collecting. He still dreams of being a detective, but he knows that his dream has been shattered. Now the closest thing he can do to give him that detective feeling, is to harrass old ladies that havent paid their bills. He really looks forward though to wednesday evenings when he does mall security for $6 an hour at the local mini mall. There is a stair set out back where he gets to "citezen arrest" the 12 year old skateboarder crew...he cries himself to sleep everynight thinking about what he could have been

Is this so funny cuzz im tired or what!!! this has me cracking up!!!!

BlackLava · #15 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 10:05 AM

this is why i dont even answer the phone unless its a number that we recognize haha. they are so rude and try to frighten you into paying your bills...UGHH...

Aly · #16 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 04:07 PM

I work at a bankruptcy law firm and unfortionatly they can be that mean. We've had a couple clients call in tears because of some of the things those CC collectors have said. Its ridiculous.

ThomasH. · #17 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 04:18 PM

Wow. That's terrible, I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe there is something you can do. If he calls again and you say I don't want to hear from you again, can you report him to the police for harassment?

spix14 · #18 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 04:47 PM

According to the rules I read in that link Lucille gave me, if I specifically say I don't want to be called again, then they can't call back. I was just too flabbergasted to think about saying anything. I'll be sure and tell them next time they call; I sure don't want them talking to my grandmother like that.

RevMojo · #19 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 05:17 PM

This probably won't be a technique for your grandmother to try out, but if something has already gone to collections, you're taking the ding on your credit anyway. Reverse the game on them. When they call, offer to settle for pennies on the dollar. They will say no, of course. Escalate the call to a supervisor, who will also say no. If possible, escalate the call further. Make sure they make notes on your account. Call back the next day and offer a few cents more. They will refuse again. Escalate the call, again. Ask that person if they know how much it costs their company every time you call. They probably don't. But it does. For most call centers, it's around $10-$20 a call. Let them you that you know they bought your account for pennies on the dollar, and that's what you're willing to pay. Ask for a counter-offer, but refuse it. Escalate the call to a manager. Ask if they know how much it costs every time you call. If they don't, ask to speak to someone who does. They will try to redirect the conversation back to getting you to pay. Let them know you want to, but want to negotiate a better deal. Tell them you'll call them back the next day. Do so. Continue to try to escalate the call every time you call back. Get ahold of someone at their corporate office. Repeat until they reach a number you're happy with, but don't expect them to go less than 35%.

Aly · #20 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 05:43 PM

have you done that, Rev?

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