Input: Recently, courts have held that debt collectors can escape 1692i' s venue provisions entirely by pursuing debt collection through arbitration instead. As the NAF studies reflect, arbitration has not proven a satisfactory alternative. I urge the CFPB to include in a rule language interpreting 1692i as requiring debt collectors to proceed in court, not through largely-unregulated arbitral forums.

Recently, courts have held that debt collectors can escape 1692i' s venue provisions entirely by pursuing debt collection through arbitration instead.

As the NAF studies reflect, arbitration has not proven a satisfactory alternative.

I urge the CFPB to include in a rule language interpreting 1692i as requiring debt collectors to proceed in court, not through largely-unregulated arbitral forums.

I urge the CFPB to include in a rule language interpreting 1692i as requiring debt collectors to proceed in court, not through largely-unregulated arbitral forums.

As the NAF studies reflect, arbitration has not proven a satisfactory alternative.


Input: When alleged debtors are served with state court summonses, they are not always comprehensible to laypersons. Any requirements to file papers to avoid default judgment The date of any scheduled hearing and procedures for changing the date Local and online sources of information for pro se defendants, and possibly local non-profit advice organizations. That the debtor may wish to consider bankruptcy if they cannot pay their debts.

When alleged debtors are served with state court summonses, they are not always comprehensible to laypersons.

Any requirements to file papers to avoid default judgment

The date of any scheduled hearing and procedures for changing the date

Local and online sources of information for pro se defendants, and possibly local non-profit advice organizations.

That the debtor may wish to consider bankruptcy if they cannot pay their debts.


Input: To avoid consumers getting sued repeatedly on the same debt, the CFPB should require or encourage states to adopt rules requiring that judgments be preclusive of future consumer-collector litigation on the same debt; instead, if there is a dispute between assignees as to who has title to the debt, they should work it out between themselves instead of risking subjecting the consumer to multiple liability.

To avoid consumers getting sued repeatedly on the same debt, the CFPB should require or encourage states to adopt rules requiring that judgments be preclusive of future consumer-collector litigation on the same debt;

instead, if there is a dispute between assignees as to who has title to the debt, they should work it out between themselves instead of risking subjecting the consumer to multiple liability.


Input: The solution to this problem is a mandate that account numbers and names on them not change during their life, no matter how many times transferred. This goes for credit reporting agencies as well.

The solution to this problem is a mandate that account numbers and names on them not change during their life, no matter how many times transferred.

This goes for credit reporting agencies as well.


Input: If the present mortgage repayment debacle is any indication of noticing or added noticing I think it is much simpler to notify the consumer whom to pay and list the original creditor name. Also, I think it would be a good idea for CFPB and the industry to combine this with FCRA issues. For example, if a consumer today reviews their credit reports the normal term is " sold to another lender " but no name. I have heard similar stories from attorneys who try to match what a consumer lists as a creditor versus what is listed in a credit report. Seems to me that everyone is trying to close the back door but leaving the front door open.

If the present mortgage repayment debacle is any indication of noticing or added noticing I think it is much simpler to notify the consumer whom to pay and list the original creditor name.

Also, I think it would be a good idea for CFPB and the industry to combine this with FCRA issues.

For example, if a consumer today reviews their credit reports the normal term is " sold to another lender " but no name.

Seems to me that everyone is trying to close the back door but leaving the front door open.

I have heard similar stories from attorneys who try to match what a consumer lists as a creditor versus what is listed in a credit report.

Seems to me that everyone is trying to close the back door but leaving the front door open.

For example, if a consumer today reviews their credit reports the normal term is " sold to another lender " but no name.

Seems to me that everyone is trying to close the back door but leaving the front door open.

I have heard similar stories from attorneys who try to match what a consumer lists as a creditor versus what is listed in a credit report.


Input: I still vividly remember receiving automated calls every Saturday morning in college insisting that I settle a debt under someone else' s name. It was a case of mistaken identity, and eventually I sorted it out by tracking down the collection agency and calling them during business hours. This was a tremendous inconvenience, however. I strongly support limitations on robocalls, on total call volumes, and ask that you consider creating a complaint process for harassing or mistargeted calls. Collection agencies should face financial sanctions for misbehavior, payable to the target of their abuse.

I still vividly remember receiving automated calls every Saturday morning in college insisting that I settle a debt under someone else' s name.

It was a case of mistaken identity,

and eventually I sorted it out by tracking down the collection agency and calling them during business hours.

This was a tremendous inconvenience, however.

I strongly support limitations on robocalls, on total call volumes, and ask that you consider creating a complaint process for harassing or mistargeted calls.

Collection agencies should face financial sanctions for misbehavior, payable to the target of their abuse.

I strongly support limitations on robocalls, on total call volumes, and ask that you consider creating a complaint process for harassing or mistargeted calls.

I still vividly remember receiving automated calls every Saturday morning in college insisting that I settle a debt under someone else' s name.

I strongly support limitations on robocalls, on total call volumes, and ask that you consider creating a complaint process for harassing or mistargeted calls.

It was a case of mistaken identity,

I strongly support limitations on robocalls, on total call volumes, and ask that you consider creating a complaint process for harassing or mistargeted calls.

and eventually I sorted it out by tracking down the collection agency and calling them during business hours.

I strongly support limitations on robocalls, on total call volumes, and ask that you consider creating a complaint process for harassing or mistargeted calls.

This was a tremendous inconvenience, however.


Input: I had a particularly lousy experience with an abusive debt collector called Miracle Financial, working on behalf of Verizon Wireless to collect a debt I wasn' t aware I had incurred and didn' t believe I owed. The full account--and dozens more from people leaving comments on my blog over the years--is available at the supplied link. I had my identity stolen and I didn' t even know it. They could not produce a signed credit card receipt to compare my signature.

I had a particularly lousy experience with an abusive debt collector called Miracle Financial, working on behalf of Verizon Wireless to collect a debt I wasn' t aware I had incurred and didn' t believe I owed.

The full account--and dozens more from people leaving comments on my blog over the years--is available at the supplied link.

I had my identity stolen

and I didn' t even know it.

They could not produce a signed credit card receipt to compare my signature.

The full account--and dozens more from people leaving comments on my blog over the years--is available at the supplied link.

I had my identity stolen

The full account--and dozens more from people leaving comments on my blog over the years--is available at the supplied link.

and I didn' t even know it.

The full account--and dozens more from people leaving comments on my blog over the years--is available at the supplied link.

They could not produce a signed credit card receipt to compare my signature.

I had a particularly lousy experience with an abusive debt collector called Miracle Financial, working on behalf of Verizon Wireless to collect a debt I wasn' t aware I had incurred and didn' t believe I owed.

and I didn' t even know it.

I had a particularly lousy experience with an abusive debt collector called Miracle Financial, working on behalf of Verizon Wireless to collect a debt I wasn' t aware I had incurred and didn' t believe I owed.

They could not produce a signed credit card receipt to compare my signature.


Input: Debt collectors are very knowledgable in what they do. We are professionals. But debtors are not stupid and should be expected to do their own research and educate themselves to participate in their defense. Why should a creditor have to explain to a debtor how to avoid paying their debt. By the time it' s reached litigation, those conversations should have already occured and the debtor should be ready to offer his defense without being " taught " by the person to whom he owes money.

Debt collectors are very knowledgable in what they do.

But debtors are not stupid and should be expected to do their own research and educate themselves to participate in their defense.

Why should a creditor have to explain to a debtor how to avoid paying their debt.

We are professionals.

By the time it' s reached litigation, those conversations should have already occured

and the debtor should be ready to offer his defense without being " taught " by the person to whom he owes money.

Debt collectors are very knowledgable in what they do.

We are professionals.

Why should a creditor have to explain to a debtor how to avoid paying their debt.

But debtors are not stupid and should be expected to do their own research and educate themselves to participate in their defense.

and the debtor should be ready to offer his defense without being " taught " by the person to whom he owes money.

But debtors are not stupid and should be expected to do their own research and educate themselves to participate in their defense.


Input: My company calls, auto-dials, emails, and snail mails customers many times before they are sent to a collection agency. Many debtors simply refuse to respond to the original debtor. They only make payment after the account is assigned to a collection agency--akin to seeing just how far they can go before there' s a consequence to not making payment. Requiring a validation notice from the owner of the debt should be optional on the creditor' s part. The FDCPA requires the collection agency to send their first notice after the debt is assigned. More notices from the creditor are useless and expensive. And the single most frequently used excuse of any debtor is " I didn' t receive the letter/invoice/statement ". A first class letter costs $0. 55 minimum (inclusive of postage, paper, and envelope). That cost does not include overhead and employee cost. Multiply that cost by the number of notices and statements already sent (and ignored) and you begin to see the true cost of collection.

My company calls, auto-dials, emails, and snail mails customers many times before they are sent to a collection agency.

Many debtors simply refuse to respond to the original debtor.

They only make payment after the account is assigned to a collection agency--akin to seeing just how far they can go before there' s a consequence to not making payment.

The FDCPA requires the collection agency to send their first notice after the debt is assigned.

And the single most frequently used excuse of any debtor is " I didn' t receive the letter/invoice/statement ".

A first class letter costs $0. 55 minimum (inclusive of postage, paper, and envelope).

That cost does not include overhead and employee cost.

Requiring a validation notice from the owner of the debt should be optional on the creditor' s part.

More notices from the creditor are useless and expensive.

Multiply that cost by the number of notices and statements already sent (and ignored) and you begin to see the true cost of collection.

Requiring a validation notice from the owner of the debt should be optional on the creditor' s part.

The FDCPA requires the collection agency to send their first notice after the debt is assigned.

Requiring a validation notice from the owner of the debt should be optional on the creditor' s part.

More notices from the creditor are useless and expensive.

More notices from the creditor are useless and expensive.

A first class letter costs $0. 55 minimum (inclusive of postage, paper, and envelope).

More notices from the creditor are useless and expensive.

That cost does not include overhead and employee cost.

More notices from the creditor are useless and expensive.

Multiply that cost by the number of notices and statements already sent (and ignored) and you begin to see the true cost of collection.


Input: Would like to see regulators approve email as a method of delivery for notifications. Most people keep their email even when they change physical addresses. Harder on the post office but probably much more effective, with no-cost proof of attempted contact.

Would like to see regulators approve email as a method of delivery for notifications.

Most people keep their email even when they change physical addresses.

Harder on the post office

but probably much more effective, with no-cost proof of attempted contact.

Would like to see regulators approve email as a method of delivery for notifications.

Most people keep their email even when they change physical addresses.

Would like to see regulators approve email as a method of delivery for notifications.

but probably much more effective, with no-cost proof of attempted contact.


Input: Bank of America, my mortgage holder, does NOT even allow a formal dispute to move forward. The past 12 months have been a continues headache with Bank of America. For example, our mortgage account have always been current, and never were we in Foreclosure status, nor even approaching default. However, every single month Bank of America reported to the three major credit bureaus that we were late. I' ve worked with their Military Liaison Officer on the resolution through phone calls, email messages, and formal letters but without success. Urgent Help/Assistance is needed for consumers to navigate and to resolve the problems that Bank of America is creating over simple and elementary issues of basic accounting procedures. Bank of America has the undue power of making reports to the credit bureaus which adversely affects the consumer. The Consumer lacks tools to challenge and fight back on Bank of America' s abuse of power.

Bank of America, my mortgage holder, does NOT even allow a formal dispute to move forward.

The past 12 months have been a continues headache with Bank of America.

Bank of America has the undue power of making reports to the credit bureaus which adversely affects the consumer.

The Consumer lacks tools to challenge and fight back on Bank of America' s abuse of power.

For example, our mortgage account have always been current, and never were we in Foreclosure status, nor even approaching default.

However, every single month Bank of America reported to the three major credit bureaus that we were late.

I' ve worked with their Military Liaison Officer on the resolution through phone calls, email messages, and formal letters but without success.

Urgent Help/Assistance is needed for consumers to navigate and to resolve the problems that Bank of America is creating over simple and elementary issues of basic accounting procedures.

The past 12 months have been a continues headache with Bank of America.

For example, our mortgage account have always been current, and never were we in Foreclosure status, nor even approaching default.

The past 12 months have been a continues headache with Bank of America.

However, every single month Bank of America reported to the three major credit bureaus that we were late.

The past 12 months have been a continues headache with Bank of America.

I' ve worked with their Military Liaison Officer on the resolution through phone calls, email messages, and formal letters but without success.

Urgent Help/Assistance is needed for consumers to navigate and to resolve the problems that Bank of America is creating over simple and elementary issues of basic accounting procedures.

Bank of America has the undue power of making reports to the credit bureaus which adversely affects the consumer.

Urgent Help/Assistance is needed for consumers to navigate and to resolve the problems that Bank of America is creating over simple and elementary issues of basic accounting procedures.

The Consumer lacks tools to challenge and fight back on Bank of America' s abuse of power.


Input: Most landlines and cell phones have caller ID technology; if the number comes up showing a toll-free number or an unknown caller, many consumers will let such calls go to voice mail. Voice mail messages need to be discreet. No one needs their kids hearing messages from debt collectors. Anyone returning a call regarding a voice mail message should be informed by a live customer service rep of the mini Miranda warning. This should be done only after the person returning the call to the collector verifies his or her identity as the debtor.

Most landlines and cell phones have caller ID technology;

if the number comes up showing a toll-free number or an unknown caller, many consumers will let such calls go to voice mail.

No one needs their kids hearing messages from debt collectors.

Voice mail messages need to be discreet.

Anyone returning a call regarding a voice mail message should be informed by a live customer service rep of the mini Miranda warning.

This should be done only after the person returning the call to the collector verifies his or her identity as the debtor.

Voice mail messages need to be discreet.

No one needs their kids hearing messages from debt collectors.


Input: I' m with Massachusetts on this one. Repetitive and robo-calls are annoying and not productive. Another fact about robo-calls is that their messages often start in the middle, or maybe this is done on purpose. When it has happened to me, I just hang up. Policies regulating the number of contacts made within a specific time period should include all modes of technology.

I' m with Massachusetts on this one.

Repetitive and robo-calls are annoying and not productive.

or maybe this is done on purpose.

Another fact about robo-calls is that their messages often start in the middle,

When it has happened to me, I just hang up.

Policies regulating the number of contacts made within a specific time period should include all modes of technology.

I' m with Massachusetts on this one.

Repetitive and robo-calls are annoying and not productive.

I' m with Massachusetts on this one.

Another fact about robo-calls is that their messages often start in the middle,

When it has happened to me, I just hang up.

Repetitive and robo-calls are annoying and not productive.


Input: I am not a lawyer, but I have noticed that credit card agreements often contain statements advising consumers that if suit is brought, it will occur in a specified jurisdiction or " as provided for by law. " At the point where collectors start suing consumers is where many consumers say enough and hire a bankruptcy attorney. The only winner in that situation is the bankruptcy attorney.

I am not a lawyer,

but I have noticed that credit card agreements often contain statements advising consumers that if suit is brought, it will occur in a specified jurisdiction or " as provided for by law. "

At the point where collectors start suing consumers is where many consumers say enough and hire a bankruptcy attorney.

The only winner in that situation is the bankruptcy attorney.


Input: I can' t comment on any of this, but it would seem appropriate for Federal law to establish a framework of requirements for states to meet. This would level the playing field for debtors and creditors in all states. and would provide an equal basis for states to proceed with adding or amending their own laws affecting debt collection lawsuits.

I can' t comment on any of this,

but it would seem appropriate for Federal law to establish a framework of requirements for states to meet.

This would level the playing field for debtors and creditors in all states.

and would provide an equal basis for states to proceed with adding or amending their own laws affecting debt collection lawsuits.

but it would seem appropriate for Federal law to establish a framework of requirements for states to meet.

This would level the playing field for debtors and creditors in all states.

but it would seem appropriate for Federal law to establish a framework of requirements for states to meet.

and would provide an equal basis for states to proceed with adding or amending their own laws affecting debt collection lawsuits.


Input: I believe the original consumer applicant on an account has the right to know if an authorized user is delinquent on her or his payments as it affects the original applicant' s credit standing. As for telling authorized card holders about the original account holder' s default, I would say this is not a good idea. Many parents provide their kids with a credit card, but would not want the credit card company contacting their kids about the parents' debt.

I believe the original consumer applicant on an account has the right to know if an authorized user is delinquent on her or his payments

as it affects the original applicant' s credit standing.

As for telling authorized card holders about the original account holder' s default, I would say this is not a good idea.

Many parents provide their kids with a credit card, but would not want the credit card company contacting their kids about the parents' debt.

I believe the original consumer applicant on an account has the right to know if an authorized user is delinquent on her or his payments

as it affects the original applicant' s credit standing.

As for telling authorized card holders about the original account holder' s default, I would say this is not a good idea.

Many parents provide their kids with a credit card, but would not want the credit card company contacting their kids about the parents' debt.


Input: There should be a federal rule prohibiting collectors from reporting information to a CRA during the 30-day window. There are automated processes in place with many collectors where they will generate 4 collection letters at one time, including the one where they tell you that they have reported you to a CRA. And then they will mail all those to letters (all dated on the same day) to you at the same time. And this is done without any debt verification whatsoever.

There should be a federal rule prohibiting collectors from reporting information to a CRA during the 30-day window.

There are automated processes in place with many collectors where they will generate 4 collection letters at one time, including the one where they tell you that they have reported you to a CRA.

And then they will mail all those to letters (all dated on the same day) to you at the same time.

And this is done without any debt verification whatsoever.

There should be a federal rule prohibiting collectors from reporting information to a CRA during the 30-day window.

There are automated processes in place with many collectors where they will generate 4 collection letters at one time, including the one where they tell you that they have reported you to a CRA.

There should be a federal rule prohibiting collectors from reporting information to a CRA during the 30-day window.

And then they will mail all those to letters (all dated on the same day) to you at the same time.

There should be a federal rule prohibiting collectors from reporting information to a CRA during the 30-day window.

And this is done without any debt verification whatsoever.


Input: Some useful documents would be the last three collection notices ACTUALLY sent to the consumer. Too many collection agencies have claimed they sent me regular notices regarding the debt when I have not have any contact with them for 2-3 years. But they claim they have " records " that claim otherwise. Yet, there is no supporting documentation of such efforts. like say, copies of the notices.

Some useful documents would be the last three collection notices ACTUALLY sent to the consumer.

Too many collection agencies have claimed they sent me regular notices regarding the debt when I have not have any contact with them for 2-3 years.

But they claim they have " records " that claim otherwise.

Yet, there is no supporting documentation of such efforts. like say, copies of the notices.

Some useful documents would be the last three collection notices ACTUALLY sent to the consumer.

Too many collection agencies have claimed they sent me regular notices regarding the debt when I have not have any contact with them for 2-3 years.

Some useful documents would be the last three collection notices ACTUALLY sent to the consumer.

But they claim they have " records " that claim otherwise.

Some useful documents would be the last three collection notices ACTUALLY sent to the consumer.

Yet, there is no supporting documentation of such efforts. like say, copies of the notices.


Input: If I ever tell a collector that I' m recording the conversation, the call ends rather abruptly or the calls just stop. Yet, I' m expected to be recorded whenever they initiate the call. They expect me to have an expectation to be recorded when they want to attempt to collect a debt, but the minute I want to record them while I dispute a debt, that' s out of bounds...

If I ever tell a collector that I' m recording the conversation, the call ends rather abruptly or the calls just stop.

Yet, I' m expected to be recorded whenever they initiate the call.

They expect me to have an expectation to be recorded when they want to attempt to collect a debt,

but the minute I want to record them while I dispute a debt, that' s out of bounds...


Input: If a make an offer to repay the creditor and it' s refused, then the debt becomes time-barred, why should the creditor still be to sue? If the creditor is offered a repayment plan, turns it down, then sues after an extended period of time, the consumer should not have to pay that debt.

If a make an offer to repay the creditor and it' s refused, then the debt becomes time-barred, why should the creditor still be to sue?

If the creditor is offered a repayment plan, turns it down, then sues after an extended period of time, the consumer should not have to pay that debt.


Input: I do not believe that it would have mattered. It seemed that the Attorney/debt collector was not looking for the actual debtor I believe that all that they were trying to do was to make a quick buck. They did a couple of shady things with this case. For a solution; the laws should be written so the common lay person can understand. If I had known that a validation request would not be considered I would not have wasted my time and paid even though it was NOT my debt.

I do not believe that it would have mattered.

It seemed that the Attorney/debt collector was not looking for the actual debtor

I believe that all that they were trying to do was to make a quick buck.

They did a couple of shady things with this case.

If I had known that a validation request would not be considered I would not have wasted my time and paid even though it was NOT my debt.

For a solution; the laws should be written so the common lay person can understand.

I do not believe that it would have mattered.

I believe that all that they were trying to do was to make a quick buck.

I believe that all that they were trying to do was to make a quick buck.

It seemed that the Attorney/debt collector was not looking for the actual debtor

For a solution; the laws should be written so the common lay person can understand.

If I had known that a validation request would not be considered I would not have wasted my time and paid even though it was NOT my debt.


Input: I have personally witnessed how judges perceive credit card debt cases, and I believe they have strayed too far towards the debt collectors. Judges simply decide whether a default has occurred, and once a judge declares a debtor in default, the adjudicated debtor has no pleading rights. Alleged credit card and student loan defaulters should have the right to declare their default an Involuntary Default and be allowed to pay back the debt with no more penalties, fees or interest rate charges, called Debt Neutrality. Debt Neutrality is making of a debt neutral so that it does not continue to indenture a defaulter in a never ending cycle of ongoing interest rate charges, penalties and fees. Involuntary defaults should allow the debtor to have the debt reset to where it was at the time of the default minus any payments made. As it stands now, Strategic Defaulters are given much better treatment than Involuntary Defaulters, in large part due to Involuntary Defaulters not being able to plead their default as being Involuntary.

I have personally witnessed how judges perceive credit card debt cases,

and I believe they have strayed too far towards the debt collectors.

As it stands now, Strategic Defaulters are given much better treatment than Involuntary Defaulters,

in large part due to Involuntary Defaulters not being able to plead their default as being Involuntary.

Judges simply decide whether a default has occurred,

and once a judge declares a debtor in default, the adjudicated debtor has no pleading rights.

Debt Neutrality is making of a debt neutral so that it does not continue to indenture a defaulter in a never ending cycle of ongoing interest rate charges, penalties and fees.

Alleged credit card and student loan defaulters should have the right to declare their default an Involuntary Default and be allowed to pay back the debt with no more penalties, fees or interest rate charges, called Debt Neutrality.

Involuntary defaults should allow the debtor to have the debt reset to where it was at the time of the default minus any payments made.

and I believe they have strayed too far towards the debt collectors.

Judges simply decide whether a default has occurred,

and I believe they have strayed too far towards the debt collectors.

and once a judge declares a debtor in default, the adjudicated debtor has no pleading rights.

Involuntary defaults should allow the debtor to have the debt reset to where it was at the time of the default minus any payments made.

As it stands now, Strategic Defaulters are given much better treatment than Involuntary Defaulters,

As it stands now, Strategic Defaulters are given much better treatment than Involuntary Defaulters,

in large part due to Involuntary Defaulters not being able to plead their default as being Involuntary.


Input: I disagree with the above assessment. As an alleged defaulter I have asked over and over and over again to have the debt set where it was at the time of alleged default and that no more penalties fees or interest rate charges be tacked on, and that I will commit to a monthly autopay. People who INVOLUNTARILY defaulted because of a life changing event in their lives (such as becoming caregivers for their parents) may want to consider all of their defaults together, so if five defaults occurred, the alleged defaulter has to divide whatever money they may be able to apportion every month, by five. Debt collectors refuse to see this as a reasonable solution and only acknowledge their own debt with the alleged defaulter, making it impossible for the alleged defaulter to do the right thing and begin paying back everybody.

I disagree with the above assessment.

People who INVOLUNTARILY defaulted because of a life changing event in their lives (such as becoming caregivers for their parents) may want to consider all of their defaults together,

so if five defaults occurred, the alleged defaulter has to divide whatever money they may be able to apportion every month, by five.

As an alleged defaulter I have asked over and over and over again to have the debt set where it was at the time of alleged default and that no more penalties fees or interest rate charges be tacked on, and that I will commit to a monthly autopay.

Debt collectors refuse to see this as a reasonable solution

and only acknowledge their own debt with the alleged defaulter, making it impossible for the alleged defaulter to do the right thing and begin paying back everybody.

People who INVOLUNTARILY defaulted because of a life changing event in their lives (such as becoming caregivers for their parents) may want to consider all of their defaults together,

so if five defaults occurred, the alleged defaulter has to divide whatever money they may be able to apportion every month, by five.


Input: Only one collection call since I changed my phone listing. No debt collector has ever admitted to me that they got my number out of the phone book.

Only one collection call since I changed my phone listing.

No debt collector has ever admitted to me that they got my number out of the phone book.


Input: Telephonic pretrial-hearings can be scheduled in support of a consumer having to work; times set and or scheduled with a court representative could passify this issue.

Telephonic pretrial-hearings can be scheduled in support of a consumer having to work;

times set and or scheduled with a court representative could passify this issue.


Input: Having gone through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy I can tell you that debt collector phone calls were the worst part of the bankruptcy experience. Massachusetts has it right limiting the number of calls debt collectors can make. That would remove one of the favorite illegal tactics debt collectors use to harass debtors. Some debt collectors would threaten to put us on robocalls so that our phone rang hourly until we agreed to a repayment loan schedule. Or they would threaten to call my spouse at work to see if he would be " more cooperative " and agree to a loan repayment schedule even after being informed that his workplace did not allow debt collection calls. Nothing phased these people and they appeared to enjoy verbally abusing me. Informing them that we wanted all debt collection to be written was also ignored. I could accurately predict who was calling by the day and time of the calls. Chase Bank called every Tuesday morning at 9AM. Bank of America called every Monday morning at 10: 30AM. These calls were always professional and appreciated. I followed specific instructions given by our bankruptcy attorney who did not want the debt collectors to know that we were planning on filing bankruptcy in a few months. So I faithfully answered every single debt collector call for almost six months. I politely confirmed my identity. I confirmed I owed the debt and then I politely told each call that I could not start to repay the debt at this time. The banks/credit cards accepted this without a problem and remained professional. Others like GE Capital and the vacation time share debt collectors would then start with the abusive comments. Calling me a " deadbeat " and swearing at me was popular. Another popular threat was how they would harass us nonstop until they got their money. What finally put a stop to the unethical tactics was when they would call and inform me that I was being taped I then informed them that I too was now taping their phone calls. Most immediately hung up. A few would clean up their act and then act in a professional manner. The ability to tape debt collection calls is a powerful tool for the debtor to have and I would encourage this agency to grant debtors this right. Nothing cleaned up the bad behavior like knowing they were being taped.

Having gone through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy I can tell you that debt collector phone calls were the worst part of the bankruptcy experience.

Massachusetts has it right limiting the number of calls debt collectors can make.

That would remove one of the favorite illegal tactics debt collectors use to harass debtors.

Nothing phased these people

and they appeared to enjoy verbally abusing me.

These calls were always professional and appreciated.

The ability to tape debt collection calls is a powerful tool for the debtor to have

and I would encourage this agency to grant debtors this right.

Nothing cleaned up the bad behavior like knowing they were being taped.

Some debt collectors would threaten to put us on robocalls so that our phone rang hourly until we agreed to a repayment loan schedule.

Or they would threaten to call my spouse at work to see if he would be " more cooperative " and agree to a loan repayment schedule even after being informed that his workplace did not allow debt collection calls.

Informing them that we wanted all debt collection to be written was also ignored.

I could accurately predict who was calling by the day and time of the calls.

Chase Bank called every Tuesday morning at 9AM.

Bank of America called every Monday morning at 10: 30AM.

I followed specific instructions given by our bankruptcy attorney who did not want the debt collectors to know that we were planning on filing bankruptcy in a few months.

So I faithfully answered every single debt collector call for almost six months.

I politely confirmed my identity.

I confirmed I owed the debt

and then I politely told each call that I could not start to repay the debt at this time.

The banks/credit cards accepted this without a problem and remained professional.

Others like GE Capital and the vacation time share debt collectors would then start with the abusive comments.

Calling me a " deadbeat " and swearing at me was popular.

Another popular threat was how they would harass us nonstop until they got their money.

What finally put a stop to the unethical tactics was when they would call and inform me that I was being taped I then informed them that I too was now taping their phone calls.

Most immediately hung up.

A few would clean up their act and then act in a professional manner.

Massachusetts has it right limiting the number of calls debt collectors can make.

That would remove one of the favorite illegal tactics debt collectors use to harass debtors.

Massachusetts has it right limiting the number of calls debt collectors can make.

Some debt collectors would threaten to put us on robocalls so that our phone rang hourly until we agreed to a repayment loan schedule.

Massachusetts has it right limiting the number of calls debt collectors can make.

Or they would threaten to call my spouse at work to see if he would be " more cooperative " and agree to a loan repayment schedule even after being informed that his workplace did not allow debt collection calls.

I could accurately predict who was calling by the day and time of the calls.

Bank of America called every Monday morning at 10: 30AM.

I could accurately predict who was calling by the day and time of the calls.

These calls were always professional and appreciated.

I could accurately predict who was calling by the day and time of the calls.

Chase Bank called every Tuesday morning at 9AM.

So I faithfully answered every single debt collector call for almost six months.

I followed specific instructions given by our bankruptcy attorney who did not want the debt collectors to know that we were planning on filing bankruptcy in a few months.

and I would encourage this agency to grant debtors this right.

The ability to tape debt collection calls is a powerful tool for the debtor to have

and I would encourage this agency to grant debtors this right.

Nothing cleaned up the bad behavior like knowing they were being taped.


Input: That' s not true in my experience. Unethical debt collectors just ignore requests now. Most consumers also don' t know that debt collectors can call you to collect a debt on any phone number you have used to contact the company or provided the company. So calling your credit card company from your best friend' s home phone, your neighbor' s phone, or your relative' s house puts their phone numbers on your contact list. This practice needs to be changed to protect the confidentiality of the debt collection process.

That' s not true in my experience.

Unethical debt collectors just ignore requests now.

Most consumers also don' t know

that debt collectors can call you to collect a debt on any phone number you have used to contact the company or provided the company.

So calling your credit card company from your best friend' s home phone, your neighbor' s phone, or your relative' s house puts their phone numbers on your contact list.

This practice needs to be changed to protect the confidentiality of the debt collection process.

So calling your credit card company from your best friend' s home phone, your neighbor' s phone, or your relative' s house puts their phone numbers on your contact list.

that debt collectors can call you to collect a debt on any phone number you have used to contact the company or provided the company.


Input: " Verify " needs to be thoroughly defined. It should be no less than documented court admissible evidence that the consumer is responsible for the debt. If the debt collector cannot produce this evidence, he should be barred from reselling the debt or reporting it to the CRAs.

" Verify " needs to be thoroughly defined.

It should be no less than documented court admissible evidence that the consumer is responsible for the debt.

If the debt collector cannot produce this evidence, he should be barred from reselling the debt or reporting it to the CRAs.


Input: I did the same thing and the response was immediate to stop the abusive behaviors. Like you most debt collectors just hang up. Those who stayed on immediately changed their tone of voice and behavior. I would advise anyone receiving verbally abusive, harassing, or threatening phone calls from debt collection calls buy a cheap telephone recording device and to use it when they call. When they inform you at the mini-Miranda point interrupt them and tell them that you too are now recording all debt collection calls. It' s the most powerful tool any debtor can use.

I did the same thing

and the response was immediate to stop the abusive behaviors.

Those who stayed on immediately changed their tone of voice and behavior.

Like you most debt collectors just hang up.

I would advise anyone receiving verbally abusive, harassing, or threatening phone calls from debt collection calls buy a cheap telephone recording device and to use it when they call.

It' s the most powerful tool any debtor can use.

When they inform you at the mini-Miranda point interrupt them and tell them that you too are now recording all debt collection calls.

and the response was immediate to stop the abusive behaviors.

Like you most debt collectors just hang up.

and the response was immediate to stop the abusive behaviors.

Those who stayed on immediately changed their tone of voice and behavior.

I would advise anyone receiving verbally abusive, harassing, or threatening phone calls from debt collection calls buy a cheap telephone recording device and to use it when they call.

I did the same thing

I would advise anyone receiving verbally abusive, harassing, or threatening phone calls from debt collection calls buy a cheap telephone recording device and to use it when they call.

and the response was immediate to stop the abusive behaviors.

When they inform you at the mini-Miranda point interrupt them and tell them that you too are now recording all debt collection calls.

It' s the most powerful tool any debtor can use.

It' s the most powerful tool any debtor can use.

I did the same thing

It' s the most powerful tool any debtor can use.

and the response was immediate to stop the abusive behaviors.


Input: Hardships are not all the same and some hardships can last for a year or longer. As a consumer advocate I see very few creditors that are willing to do anything more than refer to CCC or reduce rates for a short period of time.

Hardships are not all the same

and some hardships can last for a year or longer.

As a consumer advocate I see very few creditors that are willing to do anything more than refer to CCC or reduce rates for a short period of time.


Input: If surviving spouses signed or agreed to a contract or extension of credit then they are obligated to repay in my opinion. Also, certain states that have community property laws may require a spouse to repay a debt even though they did not sign the contract. I believe the executor or administrator should investigate whether any debt was disputed or possibly fraud. To start they should obtain a credit report for starters regardless whether collectors disclose either way. If a collector knows a service member passed away, then the spouse, executor, administrator should not be contacted and the account closed law or no law as I have seen this type of issue arise over the years and have seen and approved accounts closed in the event a service member passed away.

If surviving spouses signed or agreed to a contract or extension of credit then they are obligated to repay in my opinion.

Also, certain states that have community property laws may require a spouse to repay a debt even though they did not sign the contract.

I believe the executor or administrator should investigate whether any debt was disputed or possibly fraud.

To start they should obtain a credit report for starters regardless whether collectors disclose either way.

If a collector knows a service member passed away, then the spouse, executor, administrator should not be contacted and the account closed law or no law

as I have seen this type of issue arise over the years and have seen and approved accounts closed in the event a service member passed away.

If surviving spouses signed or agreed to a contract or extension of credit then they are obligated to repay in my opinion.

Also, certain states that have community property laws may require a spouse to repay a debt even though they did not sign the contract.

If a collector knows a service member passed away, then the spouse, executor, administrator should not be contacted and the account closed law or no law

as I have seen this type of issue arise over the years and have seen and approved accounts closed in the event a service member passed away.


Input: I don' t know what constitutes as " repeatedly or continuously, " but more than once a day seems to qualify. The system is designed to give collectors complete control, leaving the consumer with none. Letters through the mail is a much more effective approach, but collectors refuse to honor that request.

I don' t know what constitutes as " repeatedly or continuously, "

but more than once a day seems to qualify.

Letters through the mail is a much more effective approach,

The system is designed to give collectors complete control, leaving the consumer with none.

but collectors refuse to honor that request.


Input: I had one debt collector in particular who called me a liar when I told him I wasn' t the person he was looking for. This was after he violated the FDCPA by calling me at 7: 00 on a Saturday morning. I called them back immediately and spoke with a supervisor who said she' d take me off their hit list. I asked her if she got my number out of the phone book. She claimed that they had not. A few months later, they started in on me again. Obviously they still considered me a liar. I sent them a cease-communication letter with a copy to my state' s Attorney General, who has been wonderful in all this. At that point, I started sending out letters every time I received a collection call, and, other than the one, none ever called me again. At one point I was receiving daily calls from one collector or another. I can name names, and I have a thick file folder full of copies of my letters and responses to my Attorney General. It has been a wild ride, and I sure hope it' s over. I' m approaching the one-year anniversary of my most recent collection call. I just wish they wouldn' t use the phone book as their primary research tool. Thank you for providing me this forum.

I had one debt collector in particular who called me a liar when I told him I wasn' t the person he was looking for.

This was after he violated the FDCPA by calling me at 7: 00 on a Saturday morning.

I called them back immediately and spoke with a supervisor who said she' d take me off their hit list.

I asked her if she got my number out of the phone book.

She claimed that they had not.

A few months later, they started in on me again.

I sent them a cease-communication letter with a copy to my state' s Attorney General, who has been wonderful in all this.

At that point, I started sending out letters every time I received a collection call,

and, other than the one, none ever called me again.

At one point I was receiving daily calls from one collector or another.

I can name names, and I have a thick file folder full of copies of my letters and responses to my Attorney General.

I' m approaching the one-year anniversary of my most recent collection call.

Obviously they still considered me a liar.

It has been a wild ride, and I sure hope it' s over.

I just wish they wouldn' t use the phone book as their primary research tool.


Input: I have worked in collections for 13 years with mostly first parties. All of these institutions have complied with the FDCPA and seek to service their lost members to the best of their abilities.

I have worked in collections for 13 years with mostly first parties.

All of these institutions have complied with the FDCPA and seek to service their lost members to the best of their abilities.


Input: Yes, one of the biggest scams that consumers get put through is the collection agency saying discussions about the debt have to be made with the parent company, and the parent company saying they cannot talk about the debt because it has been assigned to a debt collection agency, Please FIX THIS.

Yes, one of the biggest scams that consumers get put through is the collection agency saying discussions about the debt have to be made with the parent company,

and the parent company saying they cannot talk about the debt because it has been assigned to a debt collection agency,

Please FIX THIS.


Input: If the consumer requests you do not call someone, do not call. This also leads into collector games, such as calling mother/father. brother, sister with sam elast name saying you thought it was their spouse and you were calling about an account...

If the consumer requests you do not call someone, do not call.

This also leads into collector games, such as calling mother/father. brother, sister with sam elast name saying you thought it was their spouse and you were calling about an account...


Input: The entire point of collectors calling debtors at work is to intimidate and cause fear of loss of employment to the debtor and the practice should be outlawed unless the debtor opts in to receive calls there. Its well known that companies like Sallie Mae will continue to call debtors at work even after being told not to.

The entire point of collectors calling debtors at work is to intimidate and cause fear of loss of employment to the debtor

and the practice should be outlawed unless the debtor opts in to receive calls there.

Its well known that companies like Sallie Mae will continue to call debtors at work even after being told not to.

and the practice should be outlawed unless the debtor opts in to receive calls there.

The entire point of collectors calling debtors at work is to intimidate and cause fear of loss of employment to the debtor


Input: The problem is that cell phone customers have to pay for the minutes that are used. I have pre paid cell service and debt collectors are calling me all the time looking for someone else who I do not know. This is the problem. Harassment to the cell phone owner and harassment that the cell phone owner must pay for. this is why it will always remain illegal for debt collectors to call cell phones.

The problem is that cell phone customers have to pay for the minutes that are used.

This is the problem.

Harassment to the cell phone owner and harassment that the cell phone owner must pay for.

this is why it will always remain illegal for debt collectors to call cell phones.

I have pre paid cell service

and debt collectors are calling me all the time looking for someone else who I do not know.

The problem is that cell phone customers have to pay for the minutes that are used.

I have pre paid cell service

The problem is that cell phone customers have to pay for the minutes that are used.

and debt collectors are calling me all the time looking for someone else who I do not know.

This is the problem.

Harassment to the cell phone owner and harassment that the cell phone owner must pay for.

this is why it will always remain illegal for debt collectors to call cell phones.

Harassment to the cell phone owner and harassment that the cell phone owner must pay for.


Input: No phone calls at work. I agree! Work is for work, not personal debt business. I personally don' t get calls at work, but I can see how embarrassing it would be and how quickly the company would probably fire. No work phone calls period, should be the law.

No phone calls at work.

No work phone calls period, should be the law.

I agree!

Work is for work, not personal debt business.

but I can see how embarrassing it would be and how quickly the company would probably fire.

I personally don' t get calls at work,

No phone calls at work.

Work is for work, not personal debt business.

No phone calls at work.

I personally don' t get calls at work,

No phone calls at work.

but I can see how embarrassing it would be and how quickly the company would probably fire.

No work phone calls period, should be the law.

Work is for work, not personal debt business.

No work phone calls period, should be the law.

I personally don' t get calls at work,

No work phone calls period, should be the law.

but I can see how embarrassing it would be and how quickly the company would probably fire.


Input: If a collector is calling from a different number than the one they are displaying on Called ID, that should be not allowed. Does not allow the consumer to block those calls since the number displayed is not the one actually calling.

If a collector is calling from a different number than the one they are displaying on Called ID, that should be not allowed.

Does not allow the consumer to block those calls since the number displayed is not the one actually calling.


Input: Many states have a judgement law where a consumer with over a certain amount of judgements may be terminated from employment. Having a collector call at work just seems to be another way to break down a consumer and put them at a disadvantage. A friend has mentioned to me receiving collection calls at work for one of his employees where the collector identified himself as " Officer " My friend told the collector never to call again and that it' s illegal to impersonate law enforcement. Too many other stories that went to court for FDCPA violations of collector harassment at work even when the employer has told the collector not to call there again.

Many states have a judgement law where a consumer with over a certain amount of judgements may be terminated from employment.

Having a collector call at work just seems to be another way to break down a consumer and put them at a disadvantage.

Too many other stories that went to court for FDCPA violations of collector harassment at work even when the employer has told the collector not to call there again.

A friend has mentioned to me receiving collection calls at work for one of his employees where the collector identified himself as " Officer "

My friend told the collector never to call again and that it' s illegal to impersonate law enforcement.


Input: I was following the advice of our bankruptcy attorney. I was allowed to tell creditors only a limited amount of information. I could confirm-my identify, that yes I owed the debt, and third that I was not able to start repaying my debt. No I was not allowed to tell the debt collectors that we would be filing bankruptcy. It took almost six months to complete tasks prior to notifying creditors about the bankruptcy. During that time I was subjected to verbal abuse, threats, illegal intimidation tactics, and outright lies. The tape recorder completely stopped the bad behavior. It' s amazing what debt collectors will say and do when they call debtors. It' s a totally different story what they want recorded. The best money you will ever spend is a cheap $20-25 telephone tape recorder.

I was following the advice of our bankruptcy attorney.

I was allowed to tell creditors only a limited amount of information.

I could confirm-my identify, that yes I owed the debt, and third that I was not able to start repaying my debt.

No I was not allowed to tell the debt collectors that we would be filing bankruptcy.

It took almost six months to complete tasks prior to notifying creditors about the bankruptcy.

During that time I was subjected to verbal abuse, threats, illegal intimidation tactics, and outright lies.

The tape recorder completely stopped the bad behavior.

It' s amazing what debt collectors will say and do when they call debtors.

It' s a totally different story what they want recorded.

The best money you will ever spend is a cheap $20-25 telephone tape recorder.


Input: I think that both an English and Spanish letter should be sent. This already happens with most legal and other important things (like voting and letters from school) in my State. But this should be a fed requirement to always include Spanish.

I think that both an English and Spanish letter should be sent.

But this should be a fed requirement to always include Spanish.

This already happens with most legal and other important things (like voting and letters from school) in my State.

I think that both an English and Spanish letter should be sent.

This already happens with most legal and other important things (like voting and letters from school) in my State.


Input: AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached. I was put in the situation of having an 800 number that AT & T customer service reps could not find in their system. I had no way to cancel it! Eventually the false 100 dollar debt went to a debt collector. I respectfully explained that the debt was not valid, in a letter. A few months later I got a letter from a different debt collector. Again I wrote a letter. A few months later another letter over the same faux debt from a third debt collector.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

I was put in the situation of having an 800 number that AT & T customer service reps could not find in their system.

I had no way to cancel it!

Eventually the false 100 dollar debt went to a debt collector.

I respectfully explained that the debt was not valid, in a letter.

A few months later I got a letter from a different debt collector.

Again I wrote a letter.

A few months later another letter over the same faux debt from a third debt collector.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

I was put in the situation of having an 800 number that AT & T customer service reps could not find in their system.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

I had no way to cancel it!

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

Eventually the false 100 dollar debt went to a debt collector.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

I respectfully explained that the debt was not valid, in a letter.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

A few months later I got a letter from a different debt collector.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

Again I wrote a letter.

AT & T is notorious for setting up new accounts that don' t have an official phone number attached.

A few months later another letter over the same faux debt from a third debt collector.


Input: Ummm you want to know a annoying way to find out I was in collections... how about 12 voicemails saying they are bill collectors. Finding time to call you is not easy. Many of you work from 9 to 6. Thats when im at work. Some of you are different timezones. Why cant I text or email you and haveyou text or email me back " So stone age!

Ummm you want to know a annoying way to find out I was in collections... how about 12 voicemails saying they are bill collectors.

Finding time to call you is not easy.

So stone age!

Many of you work from 9 to 6.

Some of you are different timezones.

Why cant I text or email you and haveyou text or email me back "

Thats when im at work.

Finding time to call you is not easy.

Many of you work from 9 to 6.

Finding time to call you is not easy.

Thats when im at work.

Finding time to call you is not easy.

Some of you are different timezones.


Input: I can understand 1 call. But thats it! And they better not talk a out my debt. But I can see them wanting to make sure they have the right number by verifying with a relative or neighbor. Especially with that ridiculous FOTI thing they say on my voicemail.

I can understand 1 call.

But thats it!

But I can see them wanting to make sure they have the right number by verifying with a relative or neighbor.

Especially with that ridiculous FOTI thing they say on my voicemail.

And they better not talk a out my debt.


Input: Make the authorized user pay. It is so dumb when I tell these collectors " call my brother he charged it " and they say " I cant you are the account holder hes just an authorized user. " Seriously?! So old fashioned.

Make the authorized user pay.

It is so dumb when I tell these collectors " call my brother he charged it " and they say " I cant you are the account holder hes just an authorized user. "

Seriously?!

So old fashioned.


Input: Every debt I' ve ever had go in to collections has supposedly been given notice in advance. In the case of 2 hospital bills many years ago they claimed to have notified me by mail several times but I had never even received the initial bill let alone the follow ups. Since I was insured at the time I only had to pay a reasonable co-pay and would have readily done so had I gotten the bills (as additional information, in both cases I offered to pay at the time of visit and was told they only bill). This particular hospital has an " in house " collections department so I get the impression that they often neglect to actually send info to patients so that they can then collect the additional fees and interest as profit. When a debt is turned to collections I feel it might be best if a mandatory 30 day notice outlining what the debt is for, previous contact attempts, amount due, available options such as payment plans and the exact effect of the collections process on the debt is sent to the person in a manner that is trackable and shows the intended recipient had the notice in their possession-perhaps a registered receipt type of delivery.

Every debt I' ve ever had go in to collections has supposedly been given notice in advance.

In the case of 2 hospital bills many years ago they claimed to have notified me by mail several times but I had never even received the initial bill let alone the follow ups.

Since I was insured at the time

I only had to pay a reasonable co-pay and would have readily done so had I gotten the bills

(as additional information, in both cases I offered to pay at the time of visit and was told they only bill).

This particular hospital has an " in house " collections department

so I get the impression that they often neglect to actually send info to patients so that they can then collect the additional fees and interest as profit.

When a debt is turned to collections I feel it might be best if a mandatory 30 day notice outlining what the debt is for, previous contact attempts, amount due, available options such as payment plans and the exact effect of the collections process on the debt is sent to the person in a manner that is trackable and shows the intended recipient had the notice in their possession-perhaps a registered receipt type of delivery.

I only had to pay a reasonable co-pay and would have readily done so had I gotten the bills

Since I was insured at the time

so I get the impression that they often neglect to actually send info to patients so that they can then collect the additional fees and interest as profit.

This particular hospital has an " in house " collections department

When a debt is turned to collections I feel it might be best if a mandatory 30 day notice outlining what the debt is for, previous contact attempts, amount due, available options such as payment plans and the exact effect of the collections process on the debt is sent to the person in a manner that is trackable and shows the intended recipient had the notice in their possession-perhaps a registered receipt type of delivery.

In the case of 2 hospital bills many years ago they claimed to have notified me by mail several times but I had never even received the initial bill let alone the follow ups.

When a debt is turned to collections I feel it might be best if a mandatory 30 day notice outlining what the debt is for, previous contact attempts, amount due, available options such as payment plans and the exact effect of the collections process on the debt is sent to the person in a manner that is trackable and shows the intended recipient had the notice in their possession-perhaps a registered receipt type of delivery.

I only had to pay a reasonable co-pay and would have readily done so had I gotten the bills


Input: All creditors send out mutiple letters and make numerous phone calls to the consumer to give them a chance to pay their just incurred debt and those letters will include the warning that the account will be turned over to a collection agency-not always SOLD to a collection agency, but they hire an agency to collect the debt on their behalf. And then the collection agency sends out multiple letters and makes calls. If the consumer feels this is not enough notice I am not sure what more can be done. Consumers should talk to their creditors instead of ignoring the calls and letters and try to work out some kind of arrangement. But instead some do not want to take responisibility for their debt and try to push additional costs on the creditors because there were not enough letters sent out. It would be okay if the consumer wants more & more communications if the creditor or agency can bill the consumer for the postage. People wonder why the cost of health care and merchandise goes up it is because consumers that do not pay their debts and requests laws that require the creditor to spend more and more time and money to try to collect

All creditors send out mutiple letters and make numerous phone calls to the consumer to give them a chance to pay their just incurred debt

and those letters will include the warning that the account will be turned over to a collection agency-not always SOLD to a collection agency, but they hire an agency to collect the debt on their behalf.

And then the collection agency sends out multiple letters and makes calls.

If the consumer feels this is not enough notice I am not sure what more can be done.

But instead some do not want to take responisibility for their debt and try to push additional costs on the creditors because there were not enough letters sent out.

It would be okay if the consumer wants more & more communications if the creditor or agency can bill the consumer for the postage.

People wonder why the cost of health care and merchandise goes up

it is because consumers that do not pay their debts and requests laws that require the creditor to spend more and more time and money to try to collect

Consumers should talk to their creditors instead of ignoring the calls and letters and try to work out some kind of arrangement.


Input: I guess I don' t exactly understand the response. I suppose getting the credit report on paper is useful, but online one can actually fix multiple errors and then be notified once the changes have been made.

I guess I don' t exactly understand the response.

I suppose getting the credit report on paper is useful,

but online one can actually fix multiple errors and then be notified once the changes have been made.


Input: That is not going to work. The burden of proof in the American Justice System is bore by the one who is making the accusations. Some debtors are going to lie and say that a debt is not theirs when it actually is, but that is the nature of the beast with debt collections. Innocent until proven guilty is the rules of the game. Otherwise I, as a debt collector, can accuse anyone of anything owning any amount and extort money from innocent people. Debt collection is about collecting debt, not about making accusations and extortions.

That is not going to work.

Some debtors are going to lie and say that a debt is not theirs when it actually is,

but that is the nature of the beast with debt collections.

Innocent until proven guilty is the rules of the game.

Otherwise I, as a debt collector, can accuse anyone of anything owning any amount and extort money from innocent people.

Debt collection is about collecting debt, not about making accusations and extortions.

The burden of proof in the American Justice System is bore by the one who is making the accusations.

That is not going to work.

The burden of proof in the American Justice System is bore by the one who is making the accusations.

That is not going to work.

Some debtors are going to lie and say that a debt is not theirs when it actually is,

Innocent until proven guilty is the rules of the game.

Otherwise I, as a debt collector, can accuse anyone of anything owning any amount and extort money from innocent people.


Input: Old debt that is beyond the statue of limitation should indicate the original creditor in the initial contact letter. I think the collector does not know this information or they deliberately refuse to disclose it because they know that the debt has run it course through the CRA' s for seven years. So why is it that a collector can rename themselves as the merchant because they bought an old debt and proceed to collect and to report it to the CRA' s. Once your credit has taken a hit the debt collector should not be able to continually harass you for the rest of your existence. Portfolio Recovery is the culprit and they should not be able to look at your credit report and send letters to collect as if you entered into a legal and binding contract with them. Why should you reactivate an old debt that is over 16 years old. Everyone know and remember the hard patches in their lives, such as medical issues, divorces, death etc. Once the fear of being sued is removed, the chances of a collector to collect is very minute. So it becomes time consuming and it cost money to send a certified letter to ask them to validate an alleged debt. If the collector can not validate a debt then they should not continually sell and resell such debt. And there is a problem with the CRA' s because it seems to me they are in cahoots with each other. If there si not any active business with a particular account on a credit report, then the CRA' s should make the collector prove that a debt is valid.

Old debt that is beyond the statue of limitation should indicate the original creditor in the initial contact letter.

Once your credit has taken a hit the debt collector should not be able to continually harass you for the rest of your existence.

and they should not be able to look at your credit report and send letters to collect as if you entered into a legal and binding contract with them.

If the collector can not validate a debt then they should not continually sell and resell such debt.

If there si not any active business with a particular account on a credit report, then the CRA' s should make the collector prove that a debt is valid.

I think the collector does not know this information or they deliberately refuse to disclose it because they know that the debt has run it course through the CRA' s for seven years.

Everyone know and remember the hard patches in their lives, such as medical issues, divorces, death etc.

So why is it that a collector can rename themselves as the merchant because they bought an old debt and proceed to collect and to report it to the CRA' s.

Portfolio Recovery is the culprit

Why should you reactivate an old debt that is over 16 years old.

Once the fear of being sued is removed, the chances of a collector to collect is very minute.

So it becomes time consuming and it cost money to send a certified letter to ask them to validate an alleged debt.

And there is a problem with the CRA' s

because it seems to me they are in cahoots with each other.

So it becomes time consuming and it cost money to send a certified letter to ask them to validate an alleged debt.

Once the fear of being sued is removed, the chances of a collector to collect is very minute.

And there is a problem with the CRA' s

because it seems to me they are in cahoots with each other.


Input: I was sent to collection. Collector informed me that it was for and overdue insurance payment. Having everything on Auto-Pay, I overlooked the notice they mailed to me. One call to my agent and the problem was resolved. I' m glad they called and gave me the opportunity to get to root of problem before it jeopardized my good credit rating! I " know " the majority of CFPB complaints come from people who simply don' t want to pay their bill. I know this because I have worked for a collection agency for the last twenty years, privy to all complaints we receive and very, very few have any merit. I' m by no means stating that some people don' t have legitimate complaints. What I am saying is if we compare the number of complaints to the number of accounts being pursued by all collection agencies the percentage of complaints would be a mere fraction of one percent. So, how much more regulation is necessary to address such a tiny percentage?

I was sent to collection.

Collector informed me that it was for and overdue insurance payment.

Having everything on Auto-Pay, I overlooked the notice they mailed to me.

One call to my agent and the problem was resolved.

because I have worked for a collection agency for the last twenty years, privy to all complaints we receive and very, very few have any merit.

I' m glad they called and gave me the opportunity to get to root of problem before it jeopardized my good credit rating!

I know this

So, how much more regulation is necessary to address such a tiny percentage?

I " know " the majority of CFPB complaints come from people who simply don' t want to pay their bill.

I' m by no means stating that some people don' t have legitimate complaints.

What I am saying is if we compare the number of complaints to the number of accounts being pursued by all collection agencies the percentage of complaints would be a mere fraction of one percent.

I know this

because I have worked for a collection agency for the last twenty years, privy to all complaints we receive and very, very few have any merit.


Input: The enforcement mechanism of the FDCPA is laughable from the point of view of the debtor. For example, a debt collector said that since they are out of the country they are not required to adhere to the FDCPA. Luckily, I knew better, but most folk don' t. The CFPB' s voluntary reporting combined with proxy enforcement power may curb the industry' s activities, and may be cheaper and faster than class action lawsuits.

The enforcement mechanism of the FDCPA is laughable from the point of view of the debtor.

but most folk don' t.

The CFPB' s voluntary reporting combined with proxy enforcement power may curb the industry' s activities, and may be cheaper and faster than class action lawsuits.

For example, a debt collector said that since they are out of the country they are not required to adhere to the FDCPA.

Luckily, I knew better,

The enforcement mechanism of the FDCPA is laughable from the point of view of the debtor.

For example, a debt collector said that since they are out of the country they are not required to adhere to the FDCPA.


Input: Require debt collectors to send validation notices via certified mail. There must be some way to prove the debt validation notice was at least sent, if not received. I have had the experience of a debt collector not sending me a validation notice. When I made a complaint to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations, the debt collector did not have to prove that they sent the validation notice. All the debt collector had to do was claim that they had records of sending the validation notice in their computer system. Since I did not receive the validation notice, I did not know what my rights were.

Require debt collectors to send validation notices via certified mail.

There must be some way to prove the debt validation notice was at least sent, if not received.

I have had the experience of a debt collector not sending me a validation notice.

When I made a complaint to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations, the debt collector did not have to prove that they sent the validation notice.

All the debt collector had to do was claim that they had records of sending the validation notice in their computer system.

Since I did not receive the validation notice,

I did not know what my rights were.

Require debt collectors to send validation notices via certified mail.

There must be some way to prove the debt validation notice was at least sent, if not received.

I did not know what my rights were.

Since I did not receive the validation notice,


Input: I can state from personal experience that when our savings ran out I became eligible for in home support services in which I as an unpaid caregiver could be paid a very modest amount (at minimum wage payment) because I was a caregiver. By being an in home CareGiver, I was saving the state a lot more money than it would cost to pay me a small amount every month via in home support services. I told this to all of my creditors, none of them cared. Then reality hit, my state agency that was supposed to help me obtain in home support services instead cast fear into both me and my parent by stating to me on the phone that whatever they paid me, they would file a lien on the home to get back if I outlived my parent. It turns out this application of the law did not apply to me. However the damage was done. I lost 1. 75 years of eligibility and probably enough money to pay all of my vendors, and, I would have never had to prolong the default for more than a couple of months if any of my vendors had cared enough to just help me get through the process of applying for in home support services. But because judges have become so vindictive in their approach to credit card defaulters, judges have allowed the credit card companies to become LAZY at solving their own problems internally. Nobody helps, everybody simply self protects their own interests first and foremost.

I can state from personal experience that when our savings ran out I became eligible for in home support services

in which I as an unpaid caregiver could be paid a very modest amount (at minimum wage payment)

because I was a caregiver.

By being an in home CareGiver, I was saving the state a lot more money than it would cost to pay me a small amount every month via in home support services.

I told this to all of my creditors, none of them cared.

Then reality hit, my state agency that was supposed to help me obtain in home support services instead cast fear into both me and my parent by stating to me on the phone that whatever they paid me, they would file a lien on the home to get back if I outlived my parent.

It turns out this application of the law did not apply to me.

However the damage was done.

I lost 1. 75 years of eligibility and probably enough money to pay all of my vendors,

and, I would have never had to prolong the default for more than a couple of months if any of my vendors had cared enough to just help me get through the process of applying for in home support services.

But because judges have become so vindictive in their approach to credit card defaulters,

judges have allowed the credit card companies to become LAZY at solving their own problems internally.

Nobody helps,

everybody simply self protects their own interests first and foremost.

However the damage was done.

I lost 1. 75 years of eligibility and probably enough money to pay all of my vendors,

in which I as an unpaid caregiver could be paid a very modest amount (at minimum wage payment)

because I was a caregiver.

judges have allowed the credit card companies to become LAZY at solving their own problems internally.

But because judges have become so vindictive in their approach to credit card defaulters,

everybody simply self protects their own interests first and foremost.

Nobody helps,


Input: Like most regulatory programs additional cost would be inevitable, it could be paid for by a yearly fee that collectors pay to be a licensed collector.

Like most regulatory programs additional cost would be inevitable,

it could be paid for by a yearly fee that collectors pay to be a licensed collector.


Input: If a debt is to be sold, the owner of the debt should be required to send an itemized statement to the debtor. The statement should have a large-type header, something like, " [NAME OF CREDITOR] IS SELLING THIS DEBT TO [NAME OF DEBT BUYER]. " This would give the debtor another chance to pay in the simplest way, before getting tangled up in idiot phone calls, and it would help the debtor identify the debt.

If a debt is to be sold, the owner of the debt should be required to send an itemized statement to the debtor.

The statement should have a large-type header, something like, " [NAME OF CREDITOR] IS SELLING THIS DEBT TO [NAME OF DEBT BUYER]. "

This would give the debtor another chance to pay in the simplest way, before getting tangled up in idiot phone calls,

and it would help the debtor identify the debt.

The statement should have a large-type header, something like, " [NAME OF CREDITOR] IS SELLING THIS DEBT TO [NAME OF DEBT BUYER]. "

This would give the debtor another chance to pay in the simplest way, before getting tangled up in idiot phone calls,

The statement should have a large-type header, something like, " [NAME OF CREDITOR] IS SELLING THIS DEBT TO [NAME OF DEBT BUYER]. "

and it would help the debtor identify the debt.


Input: No robo-calls or automated dialing systems should be allowed for any profit-making or solicitation purpose. Period. You can call me if a tornado is coming, but if you want money, you have to use a person. And I don' t see why I should pay for the call.

No robo-calls or automated dialing systems should be allowed for any profit-making or solicitation purpose. Period.

but if you want money, you have to use a person.

You can call me if a tornado is coming,

And I don' t see why I should pay for the call.

No robo-calls or automated dialing systems should be allowed for any profit-making or solicitation purpose. Period.

but if you want money, you have to use a person.

No robo-calls or automated dialing systems should be allowed for any profit-making or solicitation purpose. Period.

And I don' t see why I should pay for the call.


Input: I would like something that addresses the amount of times a debt collector can contact someone other than the debtor. My husband' s exwife has several debts and we are sometimes contacted several times a day and often at night to find out if we are in contact with her they have been divorced 36 years

I would like something that addresses the amount of times a debt collector can contact someone other than the debtor.

My husband' s exwife has several debts

and we are sometimes contacted several times a day and often at night to find out if we are in contact with her

they have been divorced 36 years

I would like something that addresses the amount of times a debt collector can contact someone other than the debtor.

My husband' s exwife has several debts

I would like something that addresses the amount of times a debt collector can contact someone other than the debtor.

and we are sometimes contacted several times a day and often at night to find out if we are in contact with her

I would like something that addresses the amount of times a debt collector can contact someone other than the debtor.

they have been divorced 36 years


Input: I do not believe that use of social media should be allowed to initiate or to conduct any legal or other sensitive arrangements or communications to and from debt collectors. There are a couple of things that I' ve noticed about social media: social media is a fad, and an outlet. People use social media as an outlet for the narcissistic/public/storybook/memorable moments side of their lives. And recent evidence shows that fewer teens and young adults are using facebook and twitter. And I am most certain that no social media user would like for their private life to become public life by dealing with a debt collector on facebook. Nobody likes to be in debt and have bill collectors chasing them, In writing " to me, means a letter delivered in the mail. I would also accept an interpretation to mean delivered by email but only on official company letterhead documents. And only if first requested by the debtor and not first initiated by the collector. But I can not accept " in writing " to mean messages and communication sent via social media. I think that E-Sign consent should only be valid for the original creditor. And any and every collector who then gets involved must get the debtor to consent E-Sign with them. The reason is because there are some things that I, as a consumer, am comfortable with dealing online or through email with my original creditors, but there are things that I know I would not feel comfortable dealing with online/email with a debt collector. So E-Sign should not be blanket consent for anyone and everyone.

I do not believe that use of social media should be allowed to initiate or to conduct any legal or other sensitive arrangements or communications to and from debt collectors.

I think that E-Sign consent should only be valid for the original creditor.

And any and every collector who then gets involved must get the debtor to consent E-Sign with them.

So E-Sign should not be blanket consent for anyone and everyone.

There are a couple of things that I' ve noticed about social media:

social media is a fad, and an outlet.

People use social media as an outlet for the narcissistic/public/storybook/memorable moments side of their lives.

And I am most certain that no social media user would like for their private life to become public life by dealing with a debt collector on facebook.

Nobody likes to be in debt and have bill collectors chasing them,

In writing " to me, means a letter delivered in the mail.

I would also accept an interpretation to mean delivered by email but only on official company letterhead documents. And only if first requested by the debtor and not first initiated by the collector.

But I can not accept " in writing " to mean messages and communication sent via social media.

The reason is because there are some things that I, as a consumer, am comfortable with dealing online or through email with my original creditors,

but there are things that I know I would not feel comfortable dealing with online/email with a debt collector.

And recent evidence shows that fewer teens and young adults are using facebook and twitter.

I do not believe that use of social media should be allowed to initiate or to conduct any legal or other sensitive arrangements or communications to and from debt collectors.

And recent evidence shows that fewer teens and young adults are using facebook and twitter.

social media is a fad, and an outlet.

People use social media as an outlet for the narcissistic/public/storybook/memorable moments side of their lives.

social media is a fad, and an outlet.

And recent evidence shows that fewer teens and young adults are using facebook and twitter.

And I am most certain that no social media user would like for their private life to become public life by dealing with a debt collector on facebook.

Nobody likes to be in debt and have bill collectors chasing them,

I think that E-Sign consent should only be valid for the original creditor.

The reason is because there are some things that I, as a consumer, am comfortable with dealing online or through email with my original creditors,

I think that E-Sign consent should only be valid for the original creditor.

but there are things that I know I would not feel comfortable dealing with online/email with a debt collector.

And any and every collector who then gets involved must get the debtor to consent E-Sign with them.

I think that E-Sign consent should only be valid for the original creditor.

So E-Sign should not be blanket consent for anyone and everyone.

The reason is because there are some things that I, as a consumer, am comfortable with dealing online or through email with my original creditors,

So E-Sign should not be blanket consent for anyone and everyone.

but there are things that I know I would not feel comfortable dealing with online/email with a debt collector.


Input: You know, my only experience is with medical debts, but with those, we have NOT been notified several times, or sometimes, even one time. No one seems to care if the address is right and when you' re dealing with an old person, the billing address is often not the same as the physical address); sometimes the bill seems to go to what they claim is a collection agency even before the insurance company finishes with it. We are perfectly happy to pay our bills, but our contract is with the provider, and that' s who we pay, not a collection agency.

You know, my only experience is with medical debts,

but with those, we have NOT been notified several times, or sometimes, even one time.

but our contract is with the provider,

and that' s who we pay, not a collection agency.

No one seems to care if the address is right

sometimes the bill seems to go to what they claim is a collection agency even before the insurance company finishes with it.

We are perfectly happy to pay our bills,

and when you' re dealing with an old person, the billing address is often not the same as the physical address);

No one seems to care if the address is right

but with those, we have NOT been notified several times, or sometimes, even one time.


Input: I am an experienced recipient of collection calls. As I have explained in another post here, I live in a fairly large metro area, and whenever anyone with my very common last name and first initial skips town without paying his/her bills, I' m the one who gets the calls from the debt collectors. I know that a call about " an important business matter, " is a call about a debt. I have received many of these kinds of calls. Whenever a debt collector calls me and leaves a message without a name, it doesn' t take me very long to figure out that the call is from a debt collector. If the debt collector calls and leaves a name, that debt collector is revealing to me, an unrelated third party, that the individual has a debt in collection. I consider this to be a violation of the spirit of the FDCPA if not the letter. Whenever a debt collector calls me, I am burdened with the knowledge that I now know the name of someone else who has a debt in collection. I' ve gotten any number of the calls described in #4 telling me not to listen if I' m not the named individual. The big problem with that is that, one again, the name of a debtor is being revealed to me, and then there' s the added dilemma of the fact that now my phone number has been programmed into a debt collector' s robo dialer. When that happens, the calls continue to come. I always disobey the instructions and listen to the message. I then call the debt collector to report a case of mistaken identity. It' s the only way to stop the calls. In all the collection calls I have gotten over the years, I have received only one message with the " mini-Miranda " warning. When I called the debt collector to report another case of mistaken identity I was connected with an individual in a call center in India. After I told the woman she had the wrong person, I thanked her for the " mini-Miranda " and she hung up on me. I don' t have any answers, just lots of experience. I hope someone finds this information useful.

I am an experienced recipient of collection calls.

I know that a call about " an important business matter, " is a call about a debt.

Whenever a debt collector calls me and leaves a message without a name, it doesn' t take me very long to figure out that the call is from a debt collector.

If the debt collector calls and leaves a name, that debt collector is revealing to me, an unrelated third party, that the individual has a debt in collection.

I consider this to be a violation of the spirit of the FDCPA if not the letter.

Whenever a debt collector calls me, I am burdened with the knowledge that I now know the name of someone else who has a debt in collection.

The big problem with that is that, one again, the name of a debtor is being revealed to me,

and then there' s the added dilemma of the fact that now my phone number has been programmed into a debt collector' s robo dialer.

It' s the only way to stop the calls.

I don' t have any answers, just lots of experience.

I hope someone finds this information useful.

As I have explained in another post here, I live in a fairly large metro area,

and whenever anyone with my very common last name and first initial skips town without paying his/her bills, I' m the one who gets the calls from the debt collectors.

I have received many of these kinds of calls.

I' ve gotten any number of the calls described in #4 telling me not to listen if I' m not the named individual.

When that happens, the calls continue to come.

I always disobey the instructions and listen to the message.

I then call the debt collector to report a case of mistaken identity.

In all the collection calls I have gotten over the years, I have received only one message with the " mini-Miranda " warning.

When I called the debt collector to report another case of mistaken identity I was connected with an individual in a call center in India.

After I told the woman she had the wrong person, I thanked her for the " mini-Miranda " and she hung up on me.

I am an experienced recipient of collection calls.

As I have explained in another post here, I live in a fairly large metro area,

I am an experienced recipient of collection calls.

and whenever anyone with my very common last name and first initial skips town without paying his/her bills, I' m the one who gets the calls from the debt collectors.

I know that a call about " an important business matter, " is a call about a debt.

I have received many of these kinds of calls.

I consider this to be a violation of the spirit of the FDCPA if not the letter.

Whenever a debt collector calls me, I am burdened with the knowledge that I now know the name of someone else who has a debt in collection.

and then there' s the added dilemma of the fact that now my phone number has been programmed into a debt collector' s robo dialer.

When that happens, the calls continue to come.

I then call the debt collector to report a case of mistaken identity.

It' s the only way to stop the calls.


Input: There was another debt collector that went after me a second time. First they placed me on their hit list trying to get me to pay the debt of a man with my last name and first initial. I told them that they were contacting the wrong person. Then, several months later, they went after me again, this time looking for a woman with my last name and first initial. After the second round, I send them a cease-communication letter, and they haven' t called me again.

There was another debt collector that went after me a second time.

First they placed me on their hit list trying to get me to pay the debt of a man with my last name and first initial.

I told them that they were contacting the wrong person.

Then, several months later, they went after me again, this time looking for a woman with my last name and first initial.

After the second round, I send them a cease-communication letter,

and they haven' t called me again.