Expecting the Calls ... What to Do?

[debtmonster]

I went through two books of stamps and put everything in writing to all creditors and collection agencies giving them the name, address, phone # and fax # of my bankruptcy attorney and informed them from this point on to make all contact with them only. A small amount of them sent me collection letters again and I would respond to them with a stamp on top saying "SECOND NOTICE" to remind them that I already told them to contact my attorney. I keep track of everything I mail out with the date it was mailed. Then on the second letter I remind them of the date I last informed them. I've yet to get a 3rd contact from anyone. I mailed out letters to about 62 creditors/collection agencies/hospitals so far.

At the bottom I put "Cc:" with my Attorney's initials so they can see that they are getting copied on everything.

My phone NEVER, EVER rings. The letters in writing work MUCH better than any phone call I've ever had to deal with in the past.

[Bell30656]

You keep control of the conversation and explain very clearly that they have reached the right party but you do not wish to speak to them about the debt. Inform them that all calls to your phone are recorded. Do NOT discuss your financial situation with them. Do NOT answer any questions about whether you have or are paying any other bills. It's none of their business. Remember, this is the most important part: MAKE NO COMMITMENTS AT ALL! Don't promise to pay, make it a practice to answer in complete sentences and never say the word "Yes." Agreeing with them can cause those words to be put in a different place on a tape.

Example:

Collector: "Are you John Doe." You: "My name is John Doe. Please state your name, your companies name and address as I am recording this call to insure compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Act and XXXXXXXX state laws."

Collector: "Do you still have a checking account with Bank of America" You: "I have nothing else to discuss with you, please have a good day." followed by a clicking sound. - This is a fishing trip to get you to tell them where your checking account is.

Collector: "If you'll just make a small payment to show you are working in good faith, we can work out a re-payment plan that will help restore your credit." You: "I have nothing else to discuss with you, please have a good day." <click> - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give this scumbag any info. If you send them even a $5 payment you have just given them your checking account info... or if you think you outsmarted them by using a money order... you still just re-started the clock on the Statute of Limitations.

[debtmonster]

if you think you outsmarted them by using a money order... you still just re-started the clock on the Statute of Limitations.[/COLOR]

That's EXACTLY why I never gave any money to anyone. I never wanted to restart the clock of the SOL. And when I do pay anyone, I only do it on-line. I NEVER, EVER use a check because they can grab your routing # and account # from the check and debit the account anytime they see fit. I think people who write checks are insane for not using electronic billpay. I use BoA. If they pay a bill where the company can't accept electronic deposits, they print and mail a check. The check has their own routing # and account # and just has my name and account # with the company for me to get the credit. The only time I've ever used a check is to pay the IRS my quarterly payments.