Recommendations for call recording devices?

[nsupanda]

Now that I have stopped paying my CC's, I would like to get a recording device for my telephone for when I have to start answering collection calls. Do you have any recommendations? Specific links to online retailer products?

Also, do I have to inform the caller that they are being recorded?

I'm not sue happy, I just want evidence in case one of them crosses the line.

Thanks!

[flyinbroke]

Depends...I know in TX it is one sided. You do not have to tell them, but some will play off their state laws. It is far more fun to tell them, because it keeps them on their best behavior...most of the time.

A few people told them they were recording when they were not, and it keeps the other end in line.

[nsupanda]

On second thought, and as you suggested, I think I will state that they are being recorded just to cover my butt. I've read all the horror stories about how mean they can be. I need to read up more on the laws of what they can and cannot do over the phone (threats, etc...).

[flyinbroke]

Or you can just not answer. I took the first couple of calls so they know they got the right person...I bought a 15 dollar prepaid for the occasion. I changed VM stating my name and to leave a message so they know they have the right person. I have it on silent and as I got to know the numbers, added them to the screen list so it won't ring ever when they call.

In my state I can write a cease and desist calling to OCs as well as collections people. I think I may do that.

[GoingDown]

As far as devices go, a speaker phone and a simple tape recorder works fine for me. You can also use an mp3 player that records voices as well. SanDisk Sansa works well for me and is available at Radio Shack. Google it and you will find it.

I always tell them I am recording them and I state the exact date and time of the call and ask them the name of the collection agency.

[lrprn]

Also, do I have to inform the caller that they are being recorded?

Whether you have to tell the person on the other end you are recording the call depends on federal and your state laws.

Check out these links to see what's allowed where you live:

http://www.callcorder.com/phone-recording-law-america.htm

http://www.claimspages.com/documents/docs/9002R.pdf

http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations

[Bell30656]

If you are indeed in the state of Oklahoma, you are allowed to record the calls without telling the other party. You are the party that received the call and you received it in OK which is a one party recording state. This means that you can legally record without advising them that you are recording it. There are only 12 states that require all parties to consent to recording. (CA, CT, DE, FL, IL, MD, MA, MI, MT, NH, PA and WA)

You do not have to worry about what state that they are in because you are only committing acts in the state that you live in which is Oklahoma. Only OK and Federal law applies to you as you received the call in OK. Federal law also allows you to record if one party to the call is aware of the recording. You are a party and you give consent.

I used software for recording calls and that really unused modem in the back of my computer. Truth is, I sometimes told them I was recording the calls just to be a jerk but many times I wasn't. (Sometimes the calls came in on my cell.)

[drowningNdebt]

just change your number and you wont have that problem. thats what i did and it was a piece of cake

[Bell30656]

Of course, if you change your phone number be prepared to receive calls at your work number... Be prepared for all your friends, relatives and even some strangers that have the same name as you to get calls about the debt.

One the other hand you could just answer the phone and tell the caller that you are not willing to discuss the matter.