WTH!!!!!

[fishbjc]

Girlfriend just called me.  Her daughter is hysterical! 

She received a telephone call from a collector on her jewelry acct.  Being young and idiotic (age 19) she let her boyfriend charge an engagement ring for her.  Of course, Mr. Bozo hasn't paid so she's stuck with the remainding $1200.

Once again, being young and stupid, she mentioned getting pregnant, having a young baby she is having difficulties paying her debt along with baby expenses.

He called her a "low-down" baby maker & it's not the consumers fault that she's a "loser".

She was so upset, she gave him her checking account #, which will wipe her out.  I know, big mistake.

I am just simply stunned that this low-down scumbag treated this girl this way.  But why amI not surprised?

[Anonymous]

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fishbjc wrote:

Girlfriend just called me.  Her daughter is hysterical! 

She received a telephone call from a collector on her jewelry acct.  Being young and idiotic (age 19) she let her boyfriend charge an engagement ring for her.  Of course, Mr. Bozo hasn't paid so she's stuck with the remainding $1200.

Once again, being young and stupid, she mentioned getting pregnant, having a young baby she is having difficulties paying her debt along with baby expenses.

He called her a "low-down" baby maker & it's not the consumers fault that she's a "loser".

She was so upset, she gave him her checking account #, which will wipe her out.  I know, big mistake.

I am just simply stunned that this low-down scumbag treated this girl this way.  But why amI not surprised?

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Thats is collections 101 they always try to to hurt you're feelings into paying. That might me there only chance so they swing for the fences. I  dont see nothing worng with being broke a couple of weeks to pay of a DEBT. She is getting her income tax soon, with a child shes getting at least 2-3k so why not pay it of right now. I completely disagree with the approach terrbible way of collecting but he got his job done. I'm from the school of being finacialy responsible, you requested credit you should pay for what you requested even if it leaves you broke for a month or two.

[Anonymous]

Everyone makes mistakes, particularly when they are young.  We shouldn't judge someone else, especially given only a few facts.  Perhaps this woman isn't get an income tax refund or can't manage to pay $1200 in a few weeks.  Telling her to be responsible isn't going to help fix the situation at this point.

Debt collectors will prey on any weakness.

I suggest she immediately close the account and open a new one.  Contact the bank and let them know she has not authorized any further deductions by third parties.

Sell the ring on eBay!

[Anonymous]

fishbjc, gosh I feel so badly for not only the daughter but your gf!

She made not one mistake but 2! letting the creep use her cc was one thing, but handing over her checkbook??? The 3rd mistake breaks my heart.

Some people have to take a hard hard fall, before they learn. This jerk is changing her life forever.

I hope she's learned. This is sad.

[Anonymous]

masdecho has given her some EXCELLENT advice! Well put, and thank you.

[Anonymous]

 report the cc or checkbook as lost/stolen.

[Anonymous]

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esshua wrote:

 report the cc or checkbook as lost/stolen.

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This is against the LAW you cannot produce a payment an cancel the check because you changed you're mind. This is awful advice I cannot belive you are condoning iresponsibility.

[Anonymous]

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masdeocho wrote:

Everyone makes mistakes, particularly when they are young.  We shouldn't judge someone else, especially given only a few facts.  Perhaps this woman isn't get an income tax refund or can't manage to pay $1200 in a few weeks.  Telling her to be responsible isn't going to help fix the situation at this point.

Debt collectors will prey on any weakness.

I suggest she immediately close the account and open a new one.  Contact the bank and let them know she has not authorized any further deductions by third parties.

Sell the ring on eBay!

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Mistakes happen all the time I agree but the best thing to do about credit is to be responsible. I'm NOT passing juggement I'm just saying $1200 to get a collector of you're back is getting of Cheap. They are really nasty sometimes they go fo blood they know they can get you to pay if they appeal to you're emotions.

Message Edited by ddd on 02-19-2008 08:53 AM

[Anonymous]

Didn't know it was illegal.   Are you saying that closing the account is OK but reporting it lost isn't?

[Dawn]

I feel so badly for the recipients of these phone calls every time I hear about them.  I wish we could all remember (and teach our friends and family members) that collection calls don't have to be handled right this very second. That CA did not have to have a payment immediately ... she should be allowed some time to come up with a plan. 

Yes ... this issue needs to be taken care of ... but not at the expense of her being pressured into doing something that will leave her totally empty-handed and possibly at risk for multiple over-draft charges.  She needs to contact the CA and reverse her approval for them to access her checking account, then she needs to let the bank know that she has withdrawn authorization.  If she is not confident enough in her ability to contact the CA to handle the reversal ... she may be able to get them on the phone and give another neutral party permission to speak with them.

Closing the account prematurely without getting the bank's advice on handling the situation if she still has outstanding checks/debits out there could cause more problems ... so I would think she needs to proceed cautiously but still communicate with both the CA and the bank.

Then ... someone might need to give her some advice on how to handle collection calls.  Start by telling her to tell them that they must contact her in writing and they may not call her anymore.  If the CA gets your blood boiling or reduces you to tears, they are probably stepping over the line regarding violations.