Input: After having a perfect payment history for 15 years, I had to across the board default on six accounts because I became an unpaid caregiver for my parents. However, before I ever defaulted, I contacted each account and explained what was going on. I would also like to note that five of the six accounts were still being paid down until I ran out of savings. I discovered the credit card companies HAVE NO INTAKE for potential defaulters. I consider a potential default division a cost of doing business that credit card companies have eschewed because they have co-opted the courts to do all the work for them for a very nominal fee. My goal was simple, keep making monthly miniscule autopay payments on all six accounts in exchange for no harrassing phone calls so that I could concentrate on CareGiving AND modifying my self employment so that I could make something every month. Everyone refused, and the harrassing and MORE IMPORTANTLY REPETITIVE phone calls started. I ended up having to convert my land lines to 6 dollar a month cell phones, and then I rarely used them because I could not afford the 20 cents a minute cost. In essence the credit card companies and debt collectors destroyed the best way I had to regenerate earnings while still being an unpaid CareGiver. And as Marlene so eloquently pointed out, an additional roadblock is the debt collectors ABSOLUTE REFUSAL to put any verbal agreement reached in writing!

After having a perfect payment history for 15 years, I had to across the board default on six accounts

because I became an unpaid caregiver for my parents.

However, before I ever defaulted, I contacted each account and explained what was going on.

I would also like to note that five of the six accounts were still being paid down until I ran out of savings.

I discovered the credit card companies HAVE NO INTAKE for potential defaulters.

Everyone refused, and the harrassing and MORE IMPORTANTLY REPETITIVE phone calls started.

I ended up having to convert my land lines to 6 dollar a month cell phones,

and then I rarely used them

because I could not afford the 20 cents a minute cost.

I consider a potential default division a cost of doing business that credit card companies have eschewed

My goal was simple, keep making monthly miniscule autopay payments on all six accounts in exchange for no harrassing phone calls so that I could concentrate on CareGiving AND modifying my self employment so that I could make something every month.

In essence the credit card companies and debt collectors destroyed the best way I had to regenerate earnings while still being an unpaid CareGiver.

And as Marlene so eloquently pointed out, an additional roadblock is the debt collectors ABSOLUTE REFUSAL to put any verbal agreement reached in writing!

because they have co-opted the courts to do all the work for them for a very nominal fee.

After having a perfect payment history for 15 years, I had to across the board default on six accounts

because I became an unpaid caregiver for my parents.

I consider a potential default division a cost of doing business that credit card companies have eschewed

because they have co-opted the courts to do all the work for them for a very nominal fee.

and then I rarely used them

because I could not afford the 20 cents a minute cost.


Input: That' s business. Debt collectors--small, medium, and large--know the cost of doing business. And if they don' t know, then they need to find a new " career. "

That' s business.

Debt collectors--small, medium, and large--know the cost of doing business.

And if they don' t know, then they need to find a new " career. "


Input: I don' t think that the partial SSN should be included. That raises too many privacy concerns. And I' m sure that one day a debt collection company will have a " system malfunction " and will " accidentally " send the full SSN. Too many consumers have similar names in the same city. Lastly, many different companies classify a partial SSN as the first 5 digits whereas other stick to the traditional last 4 digits. If a mail thief is lurking, then he might have access to a consumers full SSN.

I don' t think that the partial SSN should be included.

That raises too many privacy concerns.

And I' m sure that one day a debt collection company will have a " system malfunction " and will " accidentally " send the full SSN.

Too many consumers have similar names in the same city.

Lastly, many different companies classify a partial SSN as the first 5 digits whereas other stick to the traditional last 4 digits.

If a mail thief is lurking, then he might have access to a consumers full SSN.

I don' t think that the partial SSN should be included.

That raises too many privacy concerns.

I don' t think that the partial SSN should be included.

And I' m sure that one day a debt collection company will have a " system malfunction " and will " accidentally " send the full SSN.

That raises too many privacy concerns.

If a mail thief is lurking, then he might have access to a consumers full SSN.

And I' m sure that one day a debt collection company will have a " system malfunction " and will " accidentally " send the full SSN.

Too many consumers have similar names in the same city.


Input: Once I tell a debt collector I am a unpaid CareGiver and that is why I had to stop making payments, In essence they were telling me to let my parents die if necessary and go get a job. I was repeatedly baited with the comment, " So you are a " refuse to pay ". I found this type of conduct outside the lines of common decency. I had a business, I had to give up the business to become an unpaid CareGiver. If I had been shown at the time I apparently agreed to the credit card agreement that there truly were no ifs ands or buts in regards to monthly payments forgiveness on an " unsecured " debt, I would have come up with a different business model that did not require credit card debt. Credit card companies get to present themselves as pro family in their advertising when the exact opposite is true in times of crisis. Ask people who had a dramatic life changing incident occur how the credit card companies treated them. Ask the Colorado flood victims, or the Hurricane Sandy Victims, or the person who was the victim of a hit and run how the credit card companies treated them. These are the same credit card companies that lobbied the comptroller of the currency in 2002 to keep their monopoly on credit card debt suspension insurance and the outrageous overpriced premiums they were charging their customers. One of the best ways consumers had to be responsible regarding their credit card debts was having AFFORDABLE credit card debt suspension insurance. This option was stolen from consumers in 2002 when the comptroller of the currency allowed credit card companies to over charge by 1000% to 2000% on monthly credit card debt suspension insurance premiums. I created a time line document that shows how the financial elite stole fairness from the people in regards to credit card products. My appearance in front of the CFPB in May of 2013 and the research I shared with them. __URL__

Once I tell a debt collector I am a unpaid CareGiver

and that is why I had to stop making payments,

In essence they were telling me to let my parents die if necessary and go get a job.

I was repeatedly baited with the comment, " So you are a " refuse to pay ".

I had a business,

I had to give up the business to become an unpaid CareGiver.

I created a time line document that shows how the financial elite stole fairness from the people in regards to credit card products.

I found this type of conduct outside the lines of common decency.

If I had been shown at the time I apparently agreed to the credit card agreement that there truly were no ifs ands or buts in regards to monthly payments forgiveness on an " unsecured " debt, I would have come up with a different business model that did not require credit card debt.

Credit card companies get to present themselves as pro family in their advertising when the exact opposite is true in times of crisis.

One of the best ways consumers had to be responsible regarding their credit card debts was having AFFORDABLE credit card debt suspension insurance.

Ask people who had a dramatic life changing incident occur how the credit card companies treated them.

Ask the Colorado flood victims, or the Hurricane Sandy Victims, or the person who was the victim of a hit and run how the credit card companies treated them.

These are the same credit card companies that lobbied the comptroller of the currency in 2002 to keep their monopoly on credit card debt suspension insurance and the outrageous overpriced premiums they were charging their customers.

This option was stolen from consumers in 2002 when the comptroller of the currency allowed credit card companies to over charge by 1000% to 2000% on monthly credit card debt suspension insurance premiums.

My appearance in front of the CFPB in May of 2013 and the research I shared with them. __URL__

I created a time line document that shows how the financial elite stole fairness from the people in regards to credit card products.

My appearance in front of the CFPB in May of 2013 and the research I shared with them. __URL__

and that is why I had to stop making payments,

Once I tell a debt collector I am a unpaid CareGiver


Input: I dont understand why bill collectors are so stuck in ancient times. I get so many calls and its annoying. I would much rather get a text or email. The phone ringing can be annoying and a text is more subtle. It also doesnt require me to hear a long dragging voicemail. I would rather get a text saying who they are and what they want. If I dont respond soon then call me.

I dont understand why bill collectors are so stuck in ancient times.

I get so many calls and its annoying.

I would much rather get a text or email.

I would rather get a text saying who they are and what they want.

The phone ringing can be annoying and a text is more subtle.

It also doesnt require me to hear a long dragging voicemail.

If I dont respond soon then call me.

I would much rather get a text or email.

The phone ringing can be annoying and a text is more subtle.

I would much rather get a text or email.

It also doesnt require me to hear a long dragging voicemail.

I would rather get a text saying who they are and what they want.

The phone ringing can be annoying and a text is more subtle.

I would rather get a text saying who they are and what they want.

It also doesnt require me to hear a long dragging voicemail.


Input: I often find that some banks wont allow their agencies to take debit or credit card. All agencies should accept debit and credit payments. Its like they are stuck in 1950.

I often find that some banks wont allow their agencies to take debit or credit card.

All agencies should accept debit and credit payments.

Its like they are stuck in 1950.


Input: Texts will not work for consumers. Consumers must pay for texts and this is already against the law will rightly so.

Texts will not work for consumers.

Consumers must pay for texts

and this is already against the law will rightly so.

Texts will not work for consumers.

Consumers must pay for texts

Texts will not work for consumers.

and this is already against the law will rightly so.


Input: Text me please... it is annoying to have to ignore your call every other day. For goodness sake it is 2013!!! Send me a text and wait for my reply. I cant take calls at work and ignore calls from numbers I dont know. Which makes it easy for me to be in collections and not know. If you have my cell number because the bank had it please use it. Send me a text and tell me who you are why youre calling. If not I wont answer.

Text me please...

Send me a text and wait for my reply.

If you have my cell number because the bank had it please use it.

Send me a text and tell me who you are why youre calling.

it is annoying to have to ignore your call every other day.

Which makes it easy for me to be in collections and not know.

If not I wont answer.

For goodness sake it is 2013!!!

I cant take calls at work and ignore calls from numbers I dont know.

Text me please...

it is annoying to have to ignore your call every other day.

Text me please...

For goodness sake it is 2013!!!

Send me a text and wait for my reply.

I cant take calls at work and ignore calls from numbers I dont know.

Send me a text and wait for my reply.

Which makes it easy for me to be in collections and not know.

Which makes it easy for me to be in collections and not know.

I cant take calls at work and ignore calls from numbers I dont know.

Send me a text and tell me who you are why youre calling.

If not I wont answer.


Input: I dont mind the calls to work. My problem is the frequency. The reality is that I owe the bill and I know it. But I dont think they should call my job unless I dont call them back. Tect me and call me first and give me a few days. Then call my job but not every day.

I dont mind the calls to work.

My problem is the frequency.

The reality is that I owe the bill and I know it.

But I dont think they should call my job unless I dont call them back.

Tect me and call me first and give me a few days.

Then call my job but not every day.


Input: Actually a dialer does not call back. Your dialer has been purposely setup that way by YOUR IT dept. I bet you would lose in the knowledge of dialers.

Actually a dialer does not call back.

Your dialer has been purposely setup that way by YOUR IT dept.

I bet you would lose in the knowledge of dialers.


Input: That is insane. My mom heard one when I was playing my voice messages at home. They should only disclose through texts. Texts arent something that will be heard by others. That long message saying they are collectors and trying to colleft a debt is ridiculous!!

That is insane.

That long message saying they are collectors and trying to colleft a debt is ridiculous!!

My mom heard one when I was playing my voice messages at home.

They should only disclose through texts.

Texts arent something that will be heard by others.

They should only disclose through texts.

Texts arent something that will be heard by others.


Input: It is against the law to call cell phones. And to send out texts. And no matter how much the debt collection lobbyists try to change the law, it won' t work.

It is against the law to call cell phones.

And to send out texts.

And no matter how much the debt collection lobbyists try to change the law, it won' t work.


Input: I need a number to show. Stop blocking yhr number and stop using 800 numbers. To me 800 numbers belong to sales or solicitors. I want to know I have a debt in collections. So dont hide.

I need a number to show.

I want to know I have a debt in collections.

Stop blocking yhr number and stop using 800 numbers.

So dont hide.

To me 800 numbers belong to sales or solicitors.

Stop blocking yhr number and stop using 800 numbers.

To me 800 numbers belong to sales or solicitors.

So dont hide.

I want to know I have a debt in collections.


Input: Look, its 2013! Ignoring phone calls is annoying and constantly seeing missed calls is aggrivating. Why are bill collectors stuck in ancient times? Text me!! Email me!! Those phone calls are not going to be answered because I work and have kids. Communicati g with them would be so much easier if I could text and email these people. Seriously this is not 1950 we live in!!

Look, its 2013!

Seriously this is not 1950 we live in!!

Ignoring phone calls is annoying

and constantly seeing missed calls is aggrivating.

Why are bill collectors stuck in ancient times?

Those phone calls are not going to be answered

Communicati g with them would be so much easier if I could text and email these people.

Text me!!

Email me!!

because I work and have kids.

Text me!!

Those phone calls are not going to be answered

Email me!!

Those phone calls are not going to be answered

Those phone calls are not going to be answered

because I work and have kids.


Input: People get fired for personal calls at work. I worked at a place where employee phone call was recorded and randomly monitored due to the sensitivity of our work. And every now and then an employee would get caught making/taking a personal phone call and would be fired with no questions asked. Work is not the place for personal business.

People get fired for personal calls at work.

I worked at a place where employee phone call was recorded and randomly monitored due to the sensitivity of our work.

And every now and then an employee would get caught making/taking a personal phone call and would be fired with no questions asked.

Work is not the place for personal business.

People get fired for personal calls at work.

I worked at a place where employee phone call was recorded and randomly monitored due to the sensitivity of our work.

People get fired for personal calls at work.

And every now and then an employee would get caught making/taking a personal phone call and would be fired with no questions asked.

Work is not the place for personal business.

People get fired for personal calls at work.


Input: I dont mind the spouse. I mean shes my wife so I dont see why not. But I dont agree with girlfriends or boyfriends for those who dont have a spouse. Spouse is okay.

I dont mind the spouse.

so I dont see why not.

But I dont agree with girlfriends or boyfriends for those who dont have a spouse.

Spouse is okay.

I mean shes my wife

I dont mind the spouse.

I mean shes my wife

so I dont see why not.

I mean shes my wife


Input: Understood. All i meant was that I know a lot of automated dialers. given the nature of my work. They don' t magically redial. The are forced to by the company.

All i meant was that I know a lot of automated dialers. given the nature of my work.

They don' t magically redial.

The are forced to by the company.


Input: A debt that is paid in full doesn' t improve a credit score at all. A debt that is settled for less or paid in full is the exact same. Once the damage is done to a credit score, the damage will remain. The only slight (very small) improvement on a credit score is when a bad debt was a credit card account and had over 100% utilization. Once the utilization goes down below 100% (and that occurs when the credit card debt was either settled for less or paid in full) does the credit score improve only very slightly. But the damage is still done and will take years to recover from. __URL__

A debt that is paid in full doesn' t improve a credit score at all.

A debt that is settled for less or paid in full is the exact same.

Once the damage is done to a credit score, the damage will remain.

The only slight (very small) improvement on a credit score is when a bad debt was a credit card account and had over 100% utilization.

Once the utilization goes down below 100% (and that occurs when the credit card debt was either settled for less or paid in full) does the credit score improve only very slightly.

But the damage is still done and will take years to recover from.

A debt that is paid in full doesn' t improve a credit score at all.

A debt that is settled for less or paid in full is the exact same.

The only slight (very small) improvement on a credit score is when a bad debt was a credit card account and had over 100% utilization.

Once the utilization goes down below 100% (and that occurs when the credit card debt was either settled for less or paid in full) does the credit score improve only very slightly.

Once the damage is done to a credit score, the damage will remain.

A debt that is paid in full doesn' t improve a credit score at all.

Once the damage is done to a credit score, the damage will remain.

A debt that is settled for less or paid in full is the exact same.


Input: As a debt collector, I noticed a problem with the protection of landlords/property owners who are requesting internal DNC' s with the company I have employment with. As they will be Do not call flagged " DNC " with one account, they will not be DNC' ed with another account for the purposes of skip tracing, the chance of repeat calls in urban centers harassing certain members of the public is plausible as the only numbers that are held consistently in the database afaik " By Law " are verified and confirmed numbers.

As a debt collector, I noticed a problem with the protection of landlords/property owners who are requesting internal DNC' s with the company I have employment with.

As they will be Do not call flagged " DNC " with one account, they will not be DNC' ed with another account for the purposes of skip tracing,

as the only numbers that are held consistently in the database afaik " By Law " are verified and confirmed numbers.

the chance of repeat calls in urban centers harassing certain members of the public is plausible

the chance of repeat calls in urban centers harassing certain members of the public is plausible

as the only numbers that are held consistently in the database afaik " By Law " are verified and confirmed numbers.


Input: Potential for abuse. Here comes your neighbor knocking telling you he' s getting calls looking for you. The same with family members makes holiday gatherings fun since it' s clear it' s a debt collector doing some location acquisition.

Potential for abuse.

Here comes your neighbor knocking telling you he' s getting calls looking for you.

The same with family members makes holiday gatherings fun since it' s clear it' s a debt collector doing some location acquisition.

Potential for abuse.

Here comes your neighbor knocking telling you he' s getting calls looking for you.


Input: see robocalling, picking up just lets them know this is the prime time to make future calls since you' re home at this time. Account keeps changing hands, repeat. " It takes time for us to update our do not call lists... "

see robocalling, picking up just lets them know this is the prime time to make future calls since you' re home at this time.

Account keeps changing hands, repeat.

" It takes time for us to update our do not call lists... "


Input: You may want to see an attorney specializing in FDCPA cases and take that collector to court. Federal law might be in your favor with all the validation requests ignored.

You may want to see an attorney specializing in FDCPA cases and take that collector to court.

Federal law might be in your favor with all the validation requests ignored.

You may want to see an attorney specializing in FDCPA cases and take that collector to court.

Federal law might be in your favor with all the validation requests ignored.


Input: Many recommendations are dispute credit report in writing since online is more rushed by the people hired to handle this. No requirement to do it online.

Many recommendations are dispute credit report in writing

since online is more rushed by the people hired to handle this.

No requirement to do it online.

Many recommendations are dispute credit report in writing

since online is more rushed by the people hired to handle this.


Input: There needs to be some federal protections for the consumer and a clear appeals process. The state run by private company programs seem to see the alleged debtor as already guilty. For example, some consumer groups have suggested that entities may not be including a " clear and conspicuous statement " that the consumer may dispute the validity of the alleged bad check violation. What kind of financial incentives are there for these companies to meet certain benchmarks that may not be in the consumer' s best interest? It kind of sounds like those arbitration programs for credit card debt where everything was stacked in the favor of the creditor.

There needs to be some federal protections for the consumer and a clear appeals process.

The state run by private company programs seem to see the alleged debtor as already guilty.

For example, some consumer groups have suggested that entities may not be including a " clear and conspicuous statement " that the consumer may dispute the validity of the alleged bad check violation.

What kind of financial incentives are there for these companies to meet certain benchmarks that may not be in the consumer' s best interest?

It kind of sounds like those arbitration programs for credit card debt where everything was stacked in the favor of the creditor.

The state run by private company programs seem to see the alleged debtor as already guilty.

For example, some consumer groups have suggested that entities may not be including a " clear and conspicuous statement " that the consumer may dispute the validity of the alleged bad check violation.

There needs to be some federal protections for the consumer and a clear appeals process.

The state run by private company programs seem to see the alleged debtor as already guilty.


Input: In my experience, simply contacting a person to collect a debt, time-barred or otherwise, implies litigation is possible and/or impending. It shoud be clearly stated in any communication if the debt is time-barred and these types of debts should not be discussed by a phone call initiated by the collector.

In my experience, simply contacting a person to collect a debt, time-barred or otherwise, implies litigation is possible and/or impending.

It shoud be clearly stated in any communication if the debt is time-barred

and these types of debts should not be discussed by a phone call initiated by the collector.

and these types of debts should not be discussed by a phone call initiated by the collector.

In my experience, simply contacting a person to collect a debt, time-barred or otherwise, implies litigation is possible and/or impending.


Input: I' m in agreement with that statement. Having worked for a Sheriff' s Office where we served many debt collection processes, I found that not much effort is made to locate the proper address for the defendant. When we would find the defendant had moved, we would return it not found. However, the same cannot be said about private process servers who go out and post processes on the door without confirming they live there.

I' m in agreement with that statement.

Having worked for a Sheriff' s Office where we served many debt collection processes, I found that not much effort is made to locate the proper address for the defendant.

However, the same cannot be said about private process servers who go out and post processes on the door without confirming they live there.

When we would find the defendant had moved, we would return it not found.

I' m in agreement with that statement.

Having worked for a Sheriff' s Office where we served many debt collection processes, I found that not much effort is made to locate the proper address for the defendant.


Input: Repeated phone calls are torture. There is NO need for this when there is a mail system. One completed phone call should be enough.

Repeated phone calls are torture.

There is NO need for this when there is a mail system.

One completed phone call should be enough.

There is NO need for this when there is a mail system.

Repeated phone calls are torture.

One completed phone call should be enough.

Repeated phone calls are torture.

One completed phone call should be enough.

There is NO need for this when there is a mail system.


Input: I have experienced a debt collector call me several times in a day although they have already got the voice mail. Even if I already have spoke to them and told them my situation and created a " payment date, " they call again the next day. I do not know if the system is talking to each other or they just have that " auto dialer " on and just calls all day and every day. It is abusive and on hte verge of harrassment. Not to mention, the time that they call is 10pm or 9pm. I believe that is too late to call and there should be reasonable time to call and based upon the time zone you LIVE IN not based on the area code of your mobile phone number.

I have experienced a debt collector call me several times in a day although they have already got the voice mail.

Even if I already have spoke to them and told them my situation and created a " payment date, " they call again the next day.

Not to mention, the time that they call is 10pm or 9pm.

I do not know if the system is talking to each other or they just have that " auto dialer " on and just calls all day and every day.

It is abusive and on hte verge of harrassment.

I believe that is too late to call

and there should be reasonable time to call and based upon the time zone you LIVE IN not based on the area code of your mobile phone number.

and there should be reasonable time to call and based upon the time zone you LIVE IN not based on the area code of your mobile phone number.

Not to mention, the time that they call is 10pm or 9pm.

and there should be reasonable time to call and based upon the time zone you LIVE IN not based on the area code of your mobile phone number.

I believe that is too late to call


Input: I have already spoken with an attorney. This is how I found out about the separation of state and federal law. Because I was sued in state civil court is why my validation requests were ignored by the plaintiffs as well as the seating judge. What I should have done (in state court) was sent a' discovery' request AFTER the case had been filed rather then a validation request. Please note-the' collection agency' was a large legal firm. They knew the laws well and whereas I was a lay person and not versed in law, I was like a sitting duck just waiting for the slaughter. If I did take them to court I would receive hundreds but it would cost me thousands.... and I just do not have that type of money. What really touched my heart was sitting in that court room and seeing others that also thought that the law would be fair if they represented themselves. Needless to say, we all lost and lost big time. I asked the judge why would he allow this when the plaintiff was a unlicensed collection agency and he stated' they look like attorneys to me'. I knew that at that point I had lost my case.

I have already spoken with an attorney.

This is how I found out about the separation of state and federal law.

Please note-the' collection agency' was a large legal firm.

and I just do not have that type of money.

Needless to say, we all lost and lost big time.

I asked the judge why would he allow this when the plaintiff was a unlicensed collection agency and he stated' they look like attorneys to me'.

I knew that at that point I had lost my case.

Because I was sued in state civil court is why my validation requests were ignored by the plaintiffs as well as the seating judge.

What I should have done (in state court) was sent a' discovery' request AFTER the case had been filed rather then a validation request.

They knew the laws well and whereas I was a lay person and not versed in law, I was like a sitting duck just waiting for the slaughter.

If I did take them to court I would receive hundreds but it would cost me thousands....

What really touched my heart was sitting in that court room and seeing others that also thought that the law would be fair if they represented themselves.


Input: I agree that there documentation should always be provided. Why would I pay a debt without absolute proof that it belongs to me?

I agree that there documentation should always be provided.

Why would I pay a debt without absolute proof that it belongs to me?

I agree that there documentation should always be provided.

Why would I pay a debt without absolute proof that it belongs to me?


Input: The first entity I will probably take to small claims court and possibly file a complaint with Kamala Harris. The second incident I started sending faxes messages in big bold letters to the same fax where my prior faxes had been lost, asking other workers to look to see if they had taken the papers by accident. I also faxed overnight warning those who might have access to that room that taking fax documents could lead to their arrest. I did this for several days in a row. It was the only way I could think of to apply a much needed enema to those who have established a routine and can' t shake free from it. Of course this assumes that they care.

The first entity I will probably take to small claims court and possibly file a complaint with Kamala Harris.

The second incident I started sending faxes messages in big bold letters to the same fax where my prior faxes had been lost, asking other workers to look to see if they had taken the papers by accident.

I also faxed overnight warning those who might have access to that room that taking fax documents could lead to their arrest.

I did this for several days in a row.

It was the only way I could think of to apply a much needed enema to those who have established a routine and can' t shake free from it.

Of course this assumes that they care.


Input: I like the Summary of Rights idea. I think that a validation letter and even an initial communication letter should included of Summary of Rights for State Laws and Fed Laws. This would help two fold: both the debtors/consumers and the debt collecting companies. The debtor/consumers would know their rights and the collectors would then also know the particular rights for the states that they are collecting in. This shouldn' t be burdensome at all since the CRA already include Summary of Rights as do employers who check credit.

I like the Summary of Rights idea.

This would help two fold: both the debtors/consumers and the debt collecting companies.

The debtor/consumers would know their rights

and the collectors would then also know the particular rights for the states that they are collecting in.

This shouldn' t be burdensome at all

since the CRA already include Summary of Rights as do employers who check credit.

I think that a validation letter and even an initial communication letter should included of Summary of Rights for State Laws and Fed Laws.

I think that a validation letter and even an initial communication letter should included of Summary of Rights for State Laws and Fed Laws.

This would help two fold: both the debtors/consumers and the debt collecting companies.

I think that a validation letter and even an initial communication letter should included of Summary of Rights for State Laws and Fed Laws.

The debtor/consumers would know their rights

I think that a validation letter and even an initial communication letter should included of Summary of Rights for State Laws and Fed Laws.

and the collectors would then also know the particular rights for the states that they are collecting in.

This would help two fold: both the debtors/consumers and the debt collecting companies.

The debtor/consumers would know their rights

This would help two fold: both the debtors/consumers and the debt collecting companies.

and the collectors would then also know the particular rights for the states that they are collecting in.

This shouldn' t be burdensome at all

since the CRA already include Summary of Rights as do employers who check credit.


Input: There should never be a fee for payment. In fact, in about 1/3 of the states have state laws that prohibit any fees/surcharges for payment by credit/debit cards (unless it is a government agency). if a debt collector accepts credit/debit cards for payment, there should not be any fees for payment processing. Nor should there be any fees for payment processing for any other payment method for that matter. debt collection companies should also be able to accept prepaid debit cards for payment as a means of privacy and security for the debtors, rather than access to a bank account.

There should never be a fee for payment.

if a debt collector accepts credit/debit cards for payment, there should not be any fees for payment processing.

Nor should there be any fees for payment processing for any other payment method for that matter.

debt collection companies should also be able to accept prepaid debit cards for payment as a means of privacy and security for the debtors, rather than access to a bank account.

In fact, in about 1/3 of the states have state laws that prohibit any fees/surcharges for payment by credit/debit cards (unless it is a government agency).

There should never be a fee for payment.

In fact, in about 1/3 of the states have state laws that prohibit any fees/surcharges for payment by credit/debit cards (unless it is a government agency).


Input: When two parties engage in a lawsuit, each side presents the evidence they have supporting their assertions. As a collector, I provide proof of the debt The debtor is also expected to present some proof that the debt is not theirs. Yes, the assumption is innocent until proven guilty but you have to provide evidence to support your claim of innocence. If I offer a signed document that says you agreed to the purchase and documentation that supports that you did not pay, I have fulfilled my side of the burden of proof. The debtor also bears a burden of proof in our system. That' s what the judge is for-to hear both sides, weigh the evidence, and make a fair decision based on the evidence and arguments presented.

When two parties engage in a lawsuit, each side presents the evidence they have supporting their assertions.

The debtor is also expected to present some proof that the debt is not theirs.

Yes, the assumption is innocent until proven guilty but you have to provide evidence to support your claim of innocence.

If I offer a signed document that says you agreed to the purchase and documentation that supports that you did not pay, I have fulfilled my side of the burden of proof.

The debtor also bears a burden of proof in our system.

As a collector, I provide proof of the debt

That' s what the judge is for-to hear both sides, weigh the evidence, and make a fair decision based on the evidence and arguments presented.


Input: Being in a court of law and talking to a debt collector on the phone that requires proof that the debt in question is not a valid debt, are two different things. If your intent is to sue, then sue. But requiring proof from anyone you call up and demand that they prove to you (and not a judge) that the debt is not theirs is extortion.

Being in a court of law and talking to a debt collector on the phone that requires proof that the debt in question is not a valid debt, are two different things.

If your intent is to sue, then sue.

But requiring proof from anyone you call up and demand that they prove to you (and not a judge) that the debt is not theirs is extortion.


Input: If there already isn' t a law or rule at the fed level for when what happens to time barred debts when a debtor leaves the purview of one states SOL and now resides in another states SOL, there needs to be. It should be clear that if a debtor changes states, which SOL should come into play.

If there already isn' t a law or rule at the fed level for when what happens to time barred debts when a debtor leaves the purview of one states SOL and now resides in another states SOL, there needs to be.

It should be clear that if a debtor changes states, which SOL should come into play.

If there already isn' t a law or rule at the fed level for when what happens to time barred debts when a debtor leaves the purview of one states SOL and now resides in another states SOL, there needs to be.

It should be clear that if a debtor changes states, which SOL should come into play.


Input: I think there should be a fed law that should clearly state that any partial payment might revive the SOL for suit. How consumers get a phone call/letter telling them they have a debt and they just blindly pay it or make partial payments in order to just stop getting the phone calls? Lots. And the debt might not even be theirs, but they pay it anyways thinking that they might have a old debt that they forgot to take care of. The problem with that is, that the debt then is revived, the debt collector sues, and the judge tells the debtor " well, if this wasn' t your debt then why did you agree to make partial payments? " Then the judge will make favor in the debt collector for a revived debt that the debtor was not even responsible for in the first place. This scenario happens every day of the week. And the consumer had thought they were doing the right thing, but the debt collector is actually taking advantage.

I think there should be a fed law that should clearly state that any partial payment might revive the SOL for suit.

How consumers get a phone call/letter telling them they have a debt and they just blindly pay it or make partial payments in order to just stop getting the phone calls? Lots.

And the debt might not even be theirs,

but they pay it anyways thinking that they might have a old debt that they forgot to take care of.

The problem with that is, that the debt then is revived, the debt collector sues, and the judge tells the debtor " well, if this wasn' t your debt then why did you agree to make partial payments? "

This scenario happens every day of the week.

Then the judge will make favor in the debt collector for a revived debt that the debtor was not even responsible for in the first place.

And the consumer had thought they were doing the right thing, but the debt collector is actually taking advantage.


Input: Actually there should always be more communication about specific things, rather than less. More communication from the Original Creditors that an account will be turned over to a collector and when. And when a debt collector then turns it over or sells to someone else there should be more communication about who. Just like when mortgages are sold to other servicers, the borrowers get letters informing them of who now owns their mortgage and who now to send payment to. This should be standard practice for debt collectors. Explaining to the debtor that they have turned the account to someone else and that all payment and communication should now be directed to the new guy (even if no payments were sent to the first debt collector. Because there are debtors who can' t make payment now but can later, and if they start sending payment to an old debt collector via an old letter they got in the mail, then debtors attempts to actually resolve the debt go by the wayside. More communication about who/what/where/how is necessary.

Actually there should always be more communication about specific things, rather than less.

More communication from the Original Creditors that an account will be turned over to a collector and when.

And when a debt collector then turns it over or sells to someone else there should be more communication about who.

This should be standard practice for debt collectors.

Explaining to the debtor that they have turned the account to someone else and that all payment and communication should now be directed to the new guy (even if no payments were sent to the first debt collector.

Just like when mortgages are sold to other servicers, the borrowers get letters informing them of who now owns their mortgage and who now to send payment to.

Because there are debtors who can' t make payment now but can later, and if they start sending payment to an old debt collector via an old letter they got in the mail, then debtors attempts to actually resolve the debt go by the wayside.

More communication about who/what/where/how is necessary.

And when a debt collector then turns it over or sells to someone else there should be more communication about who.

Just like when mortgages are sold to other servicers, the borrowers get letters informing them of who now owns their mortgage and who now to send payment to.

Explaining to the debtor that they have turned the account to someone else and that all payment and communication should now be directed to the new guy (even if no payments were sent to the first debt collector.

More communication about who/what/where/how is necessary.

More communication about who/what/where/how is necessary.

Because there are debtors who can' t make payment now but can later, and if they start sending payment to an old debt collector via an old letter they got in the mail, then debtors attempts to actually resolve the debt go by the wayside.


Input: I once had a debt collector send collection letters to my work address. They had my home address. I think this should also be prohibited. Who gets personal mail sent to them at work?

I once had a debt collector send collection letters to my work address.

They had my home address.

I think this should also be prohibited.

Who gets personal mail sent to them at work?

I think this should also be prohibited.

Who gets personal mail sent to them at work?


Input: I keep getting collection calls for some unkown person on my cell phone at least 4 times a day. I have repeatedly told them that this is not that person' s number. I recently got a new number and it is so aggravating to monitor your calls because of someone else

I keep getting collection calls for some unkown person on my cell phone at least 4 times a day.

I have repeatedly told them that this is not that person' s number.

I recently got a new number

and it is so aggravating to monitor your calls because of someone else


Input: The name of the agency is the CONSUMER Financial Protection Bureau not the Collector Financial Protection Bureau. The industry have their lobbyists and consumers have the CFPB. The goal is to protect consumers from illegal practices by certain industries and that sometimes means more regulations.

The name of the agency is the CONSUMER Financial Protection Bureau not the Collector Financial Protection Bureau.

The industry have their lobbyists

and consumers have the CFPB.

The goal is to protect consumers from illegal practices by certain industries

and that sometimes means more regulations.

and consumers have the CFPB.

The name of the agency is the CONSUMER Financial Protection Bureau not the Collector Financial Protection Bureau.

The goal is to protect consumers from illegal practices by certain industries

and consumers have the CFPB.


Input: A neighbor who has since moved away has had her debts turned over to collection agencies. We receive repeated calls trying to get contact information, even though we request to be taken off their list. An unfortunate situation but we don' t know the whereabouts of the individual and shouldn' t be subjected to this sort of harassment.

A neighbor who has since moved away has had her debts turned over to collection agencies.

We receive repeated calls trying to get contact information, even though we request to be taken off their list.

An unfortunate situation but we don' t know the whereabouts of the individual and shouldn' t be subjected to this sort of harassment.


Input: I am a clerk at a local city court. I am the civil clerk and I feel that debtors are treated extremely unfairly by debt collection laws. The Court cannot give legal advice so it is saddening to have to try and explain and console upset litigants who have no idea what they are in for. I think there should be more avenues for pro se litigants who cannot afford to retain a private attorney (which is 95% of the litigants in my city). I can say that most people do not answer summonses because they either were not properly served or they just straight up do not care, or most often, do not understand the legalese. BUT, I do have to say that I get many litigants who call and ask what they do now that they are served. On the occasions that people do file answers, most of them are in letter form, not a " legal " verified answer. Most debt collection attorneys jump right on that and request a summary judgment. Our Court does not turn away letters, and we send a copy to the attorney and set the matter up for a pre trial conference with a judge or court attorney to help try to get both parties together to come to some sort of resolution. The Court does have to adhere to a scheduling policy for these conferences, but we are very flexible if a defendant has a scheduling conflict we try to accommodate them as best we can. When summonses are filed with the court, half of them have tons of information about the debt, others only have the amount due! I find that sometimes it' s hard for litigants to obtain further proving documents from attorneys, even with the court telling them they have to. When entering default judgments, I take my time and examine the whole file, like comparing the contents of the summons/complaint and the default judgment submitted, re-checking the affidavit of service of the summons (to make sure the defendant had the legal time to answer the summons), and ensuring that attached to the default judgment is the proper documentation as to purchasing the debt, a non-military affidavit, etc. I also make sure that they are being charged the proper interest rate and court costs. The bottom line is that the debtors still do not have enough and/or sufficient laws to protect them, and the Court' s hands are tied based on these laws, even if they wanted to help, they couldn' t. I know the Court is to remain impartial, but in a small city, everybody knows everybody and sometimes it' s hard to see these practices occurring.

I am a clerk at a local city court.

I am the civil clerk

BUT, I do have to say that I get many litigants who call and ask what they do now that they are served.

On the occasions that people do file answers, most of them are in letter form, not a " legal " verified answer.

Our Court does not turn away letters,

and we send a copy to the attorney and set the matter up for a pre trial conference with a judge or court attorney to help try to get both parties together to come to some sort of resolution.

When entering default judgments, I take my time and examine the whole file, like comparing the contents of the summons/complaint and the default judgment submitted, re-checking the affidavit of service of the summons (to make sure the defendant had the legal time to answer the summons), and ensuring that attached to the default judgment is the proper documentation as to purchasing the debt, a non-military affidavit, etc.

I also make sure that they are being charged the proper interest rate and court costs.

and I feel that debtors are treated extremely unfairly by debt collection laws.

so it is saddening to have to try and explain and console upset litigants who have no idea what they are in for.

but we are very flexible

if a defendant has a scheduling conflict we try to accommodate them as best we can.

I find that sometimes it' s hard for litigants to obtain further proving documents from attorneys, even with the court telling them they have to.

The bottom line is that the debtors still do not have enough and/or sufficient laws to protect them, and the Court' s hands are tied based on these laws,

even if they wanted to help, they couldn' t.

I know the Court is to remain impartial, but in a small city, everybody knows everybody and sometimes it' s hard to see these practices occurring.

The Court cannot give legal advice

(which is 95% of the litigants in my city).

I can say that most people do not answer summonses because they either were not properly served or they just straight up do not care, or most often, do not understand the legalese.

Most debt collection attorneys jump right on that and request a summary judgment.

The Court does have to adhere to a scheduling policy for these conferences,

When summonses are filed with the court, half of them have tons of information about the debt, others only have the amount due!

I think there should be more avenues for pro se litigants who cannot afford to retain a private attorney

so it is saddening to have to try and explain and console upset litigants who have no idea what they are in for.

The Court cannot give legal advice

even if they wanted to help, they couldn' t.

The bottom line is that the debtors still do not have enough and/or sufficient laws to protect them, and the Court' s hands are tied based on these laws,


Input: To the first question, due diligence is a must. Even if collectors are allowed to continue litigation (which I do not see going away,) there must be a penalty for the collector if false claim is made. If a collector starts litigation and it is found to be against the wrong person, compensation and additional penalty should be paid by the entity initiating the litigation in the form of a reasonable fee to the victim and an additional (and substantial) fee to the governing authority to help cover oversight expenses. To the second question, I believe an overwhelmingly large portion of consumer debt can be repaid. However, there are always going to be exceptions to this. In cases where debt can not be collected for whatever reason, it should be written off as truly not collectable and no not be allow to be sold again as debt to be collected. Fine tuning and definitions of " Not Collectable " will have to be worked out by the appropriate oversight bureau or agency. To the third question, both party' s must be measured. There are currently established credit reporting agencies to monitor the consumer side of this issue and an additional, numerical evaluation score can be added to the consumer' s already established credit report. That would be a starting point that can be expanded on as the system is fine tuned. The collector, on the other hand, would require a new measuring system that would not only score the company as a whole, but the individuals taking part in any debt resolution activities. For successful examples of such a system I would direct you to the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and their Compliance-Safety-Accountability system. Admittedly, their system is much more complex and dives much deeper than would be required for the debt industry. However, their point system is valid and flexible for future change. It would also allow for measurement of the initial creditor. Such measurement would give the government and investors a better idea of a given business' risk level. Add to this mix, the recommendations from Mr. Bartmann and you have a system whereby collectors and financial institutions will better regulate themselves to achieve an ethical and responsible outcome and not hide behind the " what I did was legal " defense. It would be a Win-Win for both sides and bring many consumers out of the debt death spiral. Lastly, the federal government could implement this system with a minimal impact on state autonomy. It would reduce the number of litigation in state and local courts, thereby motivating the states to take part.

To the first question, due diligence is a must.

That would be a starting point that can be expanded on as the system is fine tuned.

The collector, on the other hand, would require a new measuring system that would not only score the company as a whole, but the individuals taking part in any debt resolution activities.

For successful examples of such a system I would direct you to the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and their Compliance-Safety-Accountability system.

Admittedly, their system is much more complex and dives much deeper than would be required for the debt industry.

However, their point system is valid and flexible for future change.

It would also allow for measurement of the initial creditor.

Such measurement would give the government and investors a better idea of a given business' risk level.

Add to this mix, the recommendations from Mr. Bartmann and you have a system whereby collectors and financial institutions will better regulate themselves to achieve an ethical and responsible outcome and not hide behind the " what I did was legal " defense.

It would be a Win-Win for both sides and bring many consumers out of the debt death spiral.

Lastly, the federal government could implement this system with a minimal impact on state autonomy.

It would reduce the number of litigation in state and local courts, thereby motivating the states to take part.

Even if collectors are allowed to continue litigation (which I do not see going away,) there must be a penalty for the collector if false claim is made.

If a collector starts litigation and it is found to be against the wrong person, compensation and additional penalty should be paid by the entity initiating the litigation in the form of a reasonable fee to the victim and an additional (and substantial) fee to the governing authority to help cover oversight expenses.

In cases where debt can not be collected for whatever reason, it should be written off as truly not collectable and no not be allow to be sold again as debt to be collected.

Fine tuning and definitions of " Not Collectable " will have to be worked out by the appropriate oversight bureau or agency.

To the third question, both party' s must be measured.

To the second question, I believe an overwhelmingly large portion of consumer debt can be repaid.

However, there are always going to be exceptions to this.

There are currently established credit reporting agencies to monitor the consumer side of this issue and an additional, numerical evaluation score can be added to the consumer' s already established credit report.

If a collector starts litigation and it is found to be against the wrong person, compensation and additional penalty should be paid by the entity initiating the litigation in the form of a reasonable fee to the victim and an additional (and substantial) fee to the governing authority to help cover oversight expenses.

Even if collectors are allowed to continue litigation (which I do not see going away,) there must be a penalty for the collector if false claim is made.

That would be a starting point that can be expanded on as the system is fine tuned.

There are currently established credit reporting agencies to monitor the consumer side of this issue and an additional, numerical evaluation score can be added to the consumer' s already established credit report.

Lastly, the federal government could implement this system with a minimal impact on state autonomy.

It would reduce the number of litigation in state and local courts, thereby motivating the states to take part.


Input: I contacted the debt collection company and tried to make arrangements for payment of debt, the reason I could not pay my bills is my husband was laid off work and he had started a new job. I wanted to make payments of $100. a month, debt collectors said NO, so I said the most I could afford was $200 a month the said NO they wanted $1, 000. a month. Now we have 4 children, a mortgage and utility payment, debt collection said $500 a month my husband brought home after taxes $1, 100 twice a month. My mortgage is $1, 300 per month not including utilizes so I told debt company that I couldn' t pay. I always thought something was better than nothing and that a debt company would try to work with you. I learned that they won' t work with you.

I contacted the debt collection company and tried to make arrangements for payment of debt,

the reason I could not pay my bills is my husband was laid off work and he had started a new job.

I wanted to make payments of $100. a month, debt collectors said NO, so I said the most I could afford was $200 a month the said NO they wanted $1, 000. a month.

Now we have 4 children, a mortgage and utility payment, debt collection said $500 a month my husband brought home after taxes $1, 100 twice a month.

My mortgage is $1, 300 per month not including utilizes so I told debt company that I couldn' t pay.

I always thought something was better than nothing and that a debt company would try to work with you.

I learned that they won' t work with you.


Input: I have received calls from debt collectors at 9: 30 pm, and I consider this rude. I have also had robocalls early in the morning that woke me up. I am 69 yrs old, and retired, and I sleep late. My health is not good at the moment, so sometimes I have had a bad night please, please don' t wake me up with a robocall.

I have received calls from debt collectors at 9: 30 pm,

I have also had robocalls early in the morning that woke me up.

I am 69 yrs old, and retired,

and I sleep late.

My health is not good at the moment,

so sometimes I have had a bad night

and I consider this rude.

please, please don' t wake me up with a robocall.

so sometimes I have had a bad night

My health is not good at the moment,

please, please don' t wake me up with a robocall.

I am 69 yrs old, and retired,

please, please don' t wake me up with a robocall.

My health is not good at the moment,


Input: I do NOT answer any calls that have " unknown caller " or " unknown " in the ID. If you can' t show your name in the ID line, then something is not right with your company, or you have something to hide. Remember, YOU are calling ME, so in that sense, phone calls are an invasion of my privacy. I don' t have any obligation to answer any calls that I don' t want to. There should be a regulation that requires debt collection agencies to identify themselves when making phone calls.

I do NOT answer any calls that have " unknown caller " or " unknown " in the ID.

If you can' t show your name in the ID line, then something is not right with your company, or you have something to hide.

so in that sense, phone calls are an invasion of my privacy.

I don' t have any obligation to answer any calls that I don' t want to.

Remember, YOU are calling ME,

There should be a regulation that requires debt collection agencies to identify themselves when making phone calls.

so in that sense, phone calls are an invasion of my privacy.

Remember, YOU are calling ME,

There should be a regulation that requires debt collection agencies to identify themselves when making phone calls.

I don' t have any obligation to answer any calls that I don' t want to.


Input: I absolutely hate robocalls, especially those that repeat constantly and relentlessly. There are some people who shirk their responsibilities, but there are also those who simply do not have money to pay out a debt. People lose their jobs, get laid off, get sick and can' t work, retire and try to make it from one month to the next on miniscule retirement benefits. There should be a regulation against robocalls, period. They should not be allowed. They are not necessary and only serve to harass people. It' s a bullying tactic, in my opinion.

I absolutely hate robocalls, especially those that repeat constantly and relentlessly.

They are not necessary and only serve to harass people.

It' s a bullying tactic, in my opinion.

There are some people who shirk their responsibilities,

but there are also those who simply do not have money to pay out a debt.

People lose their jobs, get laid off, get sick and can' t work, retire and try to make it from one month to the next on miniscule retirement benefits.

There should be a regulation against robocalls, period.

They should not be allowed.

but there are also those who simply do not have money to pay out a debt.

People lose their jobs, get laid off, get sick and can' t work, retire and try to make it from one month to the next on miniscule retirement benefits.

There should be a regulation against robocalls, period.

It' s a bullying tactic, in my opinion.

They should not be allowed.

It' s a bullying tactic, in my opinion.

It' s a bullying tactic, in my opinion.

They are not necessary and only serve to harass people.


Input: I am on a Senior plan for my mobile phone and I get charged for each text that comes in or goes out. I am able to make/receive texts, but have to pay for each one... so it is not fair to make me pay extra on top of what I already owe. I am against using cell phones for business advertisements or debt collecting texts or calls.

I am on a Senior plan for my mobile phone

and I get charged for each text that comes in or goes out.

I am able to make/receive texts, but have to pay for each one...

so it is not fair to make me pay extra on top of what I already owe.

I am against using cell phones for business advertisements or debt collecting texts or calls.

and I get charged for each text that comes in or goes out.

I am on a Senior plan for my mobile phone

I am able to make/receive texts, but have to pay for each one...

and I get charged for each text that comes in or goes out.

so it is not fair to make me pay extra on top of what I already owe.

I am able to make/receive texts, but have to pay for each one...

I am against using cell phones for business advertisements or debt collecting texts or calls.

so it is not fair to make me pay extra on top of what I already owe.


Input: I agree with Bonzarel. The obvious solution is to ban debt collection calls to cell phones, period. Not everybody has the same options on their mobile plans, and some have strict time/call/texting limits and/or restrictions.

I agree with Bonzarel.

The obvious solution is to ban debt collection calls to cell phones, period.

Not everybody has the same options on their mobile plans,

and some have strict time/call/texting limits and/or restrictions.

I agree with Bonzarel.

The obvious solution is to ban debt collection calls to cell phones, period.

The obvious solution is to ban debt collection calls to cell phones, period.

and some have strict time/call/texting limits and/or restrictions.


Input: Is it possible to just allow consumers to opt out of certain kinds of communication entirely? They could set transparent, limited rate increases which debt collectors could charge for each mode of communication that is eliminated. A rule setting that kind of rate increase would add some necessary transparency to the question of whether these kinds of communications are even worthwhile for the agency.

Is it possible to just allow consumers to opt out of certain kinds of communication entirely?

A rule setting that kind of rate increase would add some necessary transparency to the question of whether these kinds of communications are even worthwhile for the agency.

They could set transparent, limited rate increases which debt collectors could charge for each mode of communication that is eliminated.

They could set transparent, limited rate increases which debt collectors could charge for each mode of communication that is eliminated.

A rule setting that kind of rate increase would add some necessary transparency to the question of whether these kinds of communications are even worthwhile for the agency.


Input: I would like to see the time frame for validation change. I, as a consumer, have 30 days from the date of the letter to dispute the debt, however, the collection agency can take as long as they want, even years, to get back to the consumer. This practice is not only bad but some charge interest on the debt, even though they don' t call it that (fee' s "), all the time they are' looking into it ". If I have 30 day' s they should have the same time frame to get back to me, period.

I would like to see the time frame for validation change.

This practice is not only bad

I, as a consumer, have 30 days from the date of the letter to dispute the debt,

however, the collection agency can take as long as they want, even years, to get back to the consumer.

but some charge interest on the debt, even though they don' t call it that (fee' s "), all the time they are' looking into it ".

If I have 30 day' s they should have the same time frame to get back to me, period.

If I have 30 day' s they should have the same time frame to get back to me, period.

This practice is not only bad

If I have 30 day' s they should have the same time frame to get back to me, period.

but some charge interest on the debt, even though they don' t call it that (fee' s "), all the time they are' looking into it ".


Input: Collection Agency' s' should be REQUIRED by law to show their phone number when calling a debtor. Most if not all come up " unknown ". If they are a legitimate company then they should have no problem showing their number. If I call them, and my number is blocked, I can' t get thru until I unblock my number. If they truly are legitimate, they should want to do things fair and above board.

Collection Agency' s' should be REQUIRED by law to show their phone number when calling a debtor.

Most if not all come up " unknown ".

If I call them, and my number is blocked, I can' t get thru until I unblock my number.

If they are a legitimate company then they should have no problem showing their number.

If they truly are legitimate, they should want to do things fair and above board.

Collection Agency' s' should be REQUIRED by law to show their phone number when calling a debtor.

If they truly are legitimate, they should want to do things fair and above board.

If they truly are legitimate, they should want to do things fair and above board.

If they are a legitimate company then they should have no problem showing their number.

If they truly are legitimate, they should want to do things fair and above board.

If I call them, and my number is blocked, I can' t get thru until I unblock my number.


Input: Agreed. And it should be their real phone number. So that when you miss their phone call and try to call them back, it should go to the real company. And not say something like " the call can not be completed as dialed. " I mean, what is the point in that. Some debtors can' t get to their phone before it goes to the answering machine and if the collectors don' t leave a message, the debtor will try to call back. But then the call can' t be completed when you try to call back. So, really what was the point of the call. Many debtors would just assume it was a scam call. Increasing Right Party Contacts should be the goal. And that goal can only be reached if the real phone number is showing up on calller id.

Agreed.

I mean, what is the point in that.

and if the collectors don' t leave a message, the debtor will try to call back.

But then the call can' t be completed when you try to call back.

So, really what was the point of the call.

Many debtors would just assume it was a scam call.

And it should be their real phone number.

So that when you miss their phone call and try to call them back, it should go to the real company.

And not say something like " the call can not be completed as dialed. "

Increasing Right Party Contacts should be the goal.

Some debtors can' t get to their phone before it goes to the answering machine

And that goal can only be reached if the real phone number is showing up on calller id.

And it should be their real phone number.

So that when you miss their phone call and try to call them back, it should go to the real company.

So, really what was the point of the call.

But then the call can' t be completed when you try to call back.


Input: There' s no need to be rude about it. There are some debt collection practices that should obviously be illegal. Other things that people are discussing here are obviously matters of convenience. To the extent that preferences are widely shared and outright prohibition wouldn' t increase lending costs across the board beyond a marginal amount, outright prohibition makes sense. But if someone wants the ability to stop someone from conducting any and all robocalls from all phones, and robocalls help creditors recoup their loans, then the creditor should be able to charge a regulated fee for that convenience. I' m not saying that the debt collection agency itself would charge the fee Just that a consent-based approach is another option.

There' s no need to be rude about it.

There are some debt collection practices that should obviously be illegal.

Other things that people are discussing here are obviously matters of convenience.

To the extent that preferences are widely shared and outright prohibition wouldn' t increase lending costs across the board beyond a marginal amount, outright prohibition makes sense.

Just that a consent-based approach is another option.

But if someone wants the ability to stop someone from conducting any and all robocalls from all phones, and robocalls help creditors recoup their loans, then the creditor should be able to charge a regulated fee for that convenience.

I' m not saying that the debt collection agency itself would charge the fee


Input: Any collector who uses a robocall, without first having a live person call to verify that the phone number is correct, is lazy and irresponsible. Aside from being a major nuisance, robocalls to a third party are always an improper disclosure because prerecorded calls are required to include the name of the company at the start of the message (per the TCPA). I' ve received dozens and dozens of calls like this, and now I know which of my neighbors are alleged to owe money. I say " alleged ", because the companies making these calls are usually the same scofflaws who have been sued repeatedly for trying to collect nonexistent debts. Outlawing robocalls, particularly robocalls to third parties, would hurt the bad actors without having much impact on legitimate collectors. I wouldn' t have a problem with live callers using autodialers, except that the technology used by some collection agencies is so far behind the times. Telemarketers are able to stay within the required 3% abandonment rate, yet my experience is that the drop rate on live calls from collectors ranges from 50% to 100%. Yes, I had one company hang up immediately every single time one of their agents called me. I' m not sure how this is profitable. Extending the FTC' s 3% rule to debt collection calls would address this issue.

Any collector who uses a robocall, without first having a live person call to verify that the phone number is correct, is lazy and irresponsible.

Aside from being a major nuisance, robocalls to a third party are always an improper disclosure

I say " alleged ",

Outlawing robocalls, particularly robocalls to third parties, would hurt the bad actors without having much impact on legitimate collectors.

I wouldn' t have a problem with live callers using autodialers, except that the technology used by some collection agencies is so far behind the times.

I' m not sure how this is profitable.

Extending the FTC' s 3% rule to debt collection calls would address this issue.

because prerecorded calls are required to include the name of the company at the start of the message (per the TCPA).

because the companies making these calls are usually the same scofflaws who have been sued repeatedly for trying to collect nonexistent debts.

Telemarketers are able to stay within the required 3% abandonment rate,

yet my experience is that the drop rate on live calls from collectors ranges from 50% to 100%.

I' ve received dozens and dozens of calls like this,

and now I know which of my neighbors are alleged to owe money.

Yes, I had one company hang up immediately every single time one of their agents called me.

Any collector who uses a robocall, without first having a live person call to verify that the phone number is correct, is lazy and irresponsible.

Aside from being a major nuisance, robocalls to a third party are always an improper disclosure

Aside from being a major nuisance, robocalls to a third party are always an improper disclosure

because prerecorded calls are required to include the name of the company at the start of the message (per the TCPA).

I say " alleged ",

because the companies making these calls are usually the same scofflaws who have been sued repeatedly for trying to collect nonexistent debts.

Extending the FTC' s 3% rule to debt collection calls would address this issue.

Telemarketers are able to stay within the required 3% abandonment rate,


Input: If I am paying for the minutes on my phone, which I do, then I should be able to chose who' s call I do and do not want to answer. When it comes up' unknown ", how do I know it' s a Collection Agency, a telemarketer trying to sell me vacation homes, cruse lines trying to sell me a cruse, someone wanting to offer me a better mortgage rate, ect... Every call I answer deducts time from my minutes and that is NOT fair to me. I now block ALL " unknown, withheld & private " calls. If they truly are legidimate and want to talk to me, press 1 to unblock, just like I have to.

If I am paying for the minutes on my phone, which I do, then I should be able to chose who' s call I do and do not want to answer.

If they truly are legidimate and want to talk to me, press 1 to unblock, just like I have to.

When it comes up' unknown ", how do I know it' s a Collection Agency, a telemarketer trying to sell me vacation homes, cruse lines trying to sell me a cruse, someone wanting to offer me a better mortgage rate, ect...

and that is NOT fair to me.

Every call I answer deducts time from my minutes

I now block ALL " unknown, withheld & private " calls.


Input: A collector' s toll-free number is the ideal number to display on Caller ID, since it allows the call to be returned from anywhere without incurring long-distance charges. It also lets the recipient know right away that it is not a personal call and is probably not from a local company. I' d much rather see an 800 number than a spoofed local number for a company that is really 1000 miles away (or in India). This spoofing is clearly a false and deceptive practice that is barred by the FDCPA, but still it occasionally happens.

A collector' s toll-free number is the ideal number to display on Caller ID,

I' d much rather see an 800 number than a spoofed local number for a company that is really 1000 miles away (or in India).

This spoofing is clearly a false and deceptive practice that is barred by the FDCPA,

since it allows the call to be returned from anywhere without incurring long-distance charges.

It also lets the recipient know right away that it is not a personal call and is probably not from a local company.

but still it occasionally happens.

A collector' s toll-free number is the ideal number to display on Caller ID,

since it allows the call to be returned from anywhere without incurring long-distance charges.


Input: I don' t like #2 because if they were to start telling consumers to a to a certain website, that opens the door for spammers/hackers to increase virus infections by simply doing the same thing. Just calling every phone number in the phone book and telling the consumer navigate to a certain website and then infect their computer.

I don' t like #2

because if they were to start telling consumers to a to a certain website, that opens the door for spammers/hackers to increase virus infections by simply doing the same thing.

Just calling every phone number in the phone book and telling the consumer navigate to a certain website and then infect their computer.

I don' t like #2

because if they were to start telling consumers to a to a certain website, that opens the door for spammers/hackers to increase virus infections by simply doing the same thing.


Input: They could at least start with address and area code of debtor " s phone number. And I would say that the reach would be at least as far as the local commuting area. So for a city like Boston, there' s Boston, Chelsea, and the other surrounding areas. Now, if a debtor from NY traveled to Boston for the marathon, for example, that would be much harder for a collector to have a reasonable expectation of a debtor " s whereabouts. But once a debtor has identified his/herself within the reach of the commuting area of the place of emergency, then perhaps the exemption period should kick in. In a place like Newtown, or Colorado, if a collector has a reasonable belief that a debtor may have been an employee of the school or movie theater (if they can' t identify the debtor being in the local commuting area by address/phone number), then they should also stop collection for the exemption period. So, place of employment, address, phone number, and debtors self-identifying their whereabouts, could be ways that debt collectors could/should have reason to believe the location of a debtor.

They could at least start with address and area code of debtor " s phone number.

But once a debtor has identified his/herself within the reach of the commuting area of the place of emergency, then perhaps the exemption period should kick in.

In a place like Newtown, or Colorado, if a collector has a reasonable belief that a debtor may have been an employee of the school or movie theater (if they can' t identify the debtor being in the local commuting area by address/phone number), then they should also stop collection for the exemption period.

And I would say that the reach would be at least as far as the local commuting area.

Now, if a debtor from NY traveled to Boston for the marathon, for example, that would be much harder for a collector to have a reasonable expectation of a debtor " s whereabouts.

So, place of employment, address, phone number, and debtors self-identifying their whereabouts, could be ways that debt collectors could/should have reason to believe the location of a debtor.

So for a city like Boston, there' s Boston, Chelsea, and the other surrounding areas.


Input: It would be a good idea to create a national database of collectors and assign them an ID number just like the IRS. Require them to state their name and ID number just like IRS employees do. This would allow debtors to easily identify an abusive collector or just call a debt collection agency and ask to speak to a specific employee. If they call and leave a voicemail they are required to state their ID number somewhere in the recording. It would be good for both debtors and collectors.

It would be a good idea to create a national database of collectors and assign them an ID number just like the IRS.

This would allow debtors to easily identify an abusive collector or just call a debt collection agency and ask to speak to a specific employee.

It would be good for both debtors and collectors.

Require them to state their name and ID number just like IRS employees do.

If they call and leave a voicemail they are required to state their ID number somewhere in the recording.

It would be a good idea to create a national database of collectors and assign them an ID number just like the IRS.

This would allow debtors to easily identify an abusive collector or just call a debt collection agency and ask to speak to a specific employee.

It would be a good idea to create a national database of collectors and assign them an ID number just like the IRS.

It would be good for both debtors and collectors.

Require them to state their name and ID number just like IRS employees do.

It would be a good idea to create a national database of collectors and assign them an ID number just like the IRS.

Require them to state their name and ID number just like IRS employees do.

This would allow debtors to easily identify an abusive collector or just call a debt collection agency and ask to speak to a specific employee.

Require them to state their name and ID number just like IRS employees do.

It would be good for both debtors and collectors.


Input: This is a collectors favorite. They call over and over to harass debtors and they should be limited to one call per day with a required voicemail stating their purpose.

This is a collectors favorite.

They call over and over to harass debtors

and they should be limited to one call per day with a required voicemail stating their purpose.

and they should be limited to one call per day with a required voicemail stating their purpose.

They call over and over to harass debtors


Input: Creditors should only be allowed to call between the hours of 9am until 7pm local time unless they have written consent (maybe even a web form) that gives them a minimum 3 hour window in which to call. Additionally, they are limited to 3 phone calls a day maximum.

Creditors should only be allowed to call between the hours of 9am until 7pm local time unless they have written consent (maybe even a web form) that gives them a minimum 3 hour window in which to call.

Additionally, they are limited to 3 phone calls a day maximum.


Input: I think limitation is good as not to harass. I think it has been generally defined as 3-4 days per day, though I think that is still excessive, and any collector who follows that is clearly trying to harass. Who else would someone call 3-4 times in a day? But, with the example of 1 call per day, I would think that there would also need to be another limitation such as 1 call per day or no more than 4 calls in a week. Otherwise, a collector could call 1 time a day, 7 times a week, 30 times in a month, etc. And personally, in my personal phone calls and in my business phone calls, it can take me more than a day or two to return a message. Customarily, in personal phone calls and business phone calls, if a message is left, the caller will leave a message and wait a couple of days before calling back if the person has yet to return the phone call. This is the way normal phone etiquette works--both in personal phone calls and in business calls. So, why should debt collections be different, why should they break the norms.

I think limitation is good as not to harass.

though I think that is still excessive,

and any collector who follows that is clearly trying to harass.

Who else would someone call 3-4 times in a day?

Otherwise, a collector could call 1 time a day, 7 times a week, 30 times in a month, etc.

This is the way normal phone etiquette works--both in personal phone calls and in business calls.

So, why should debt collections be different,

why should they break the norms.

I think it has been generally defined as 3-4 days per day,

But, with the example of 1 call per day, I would think that there would also need to be another limitation such as 1 call per day or no more than 4 calls in a week.

And personally, in my personal phone calls and in my business phone calls, it can take me more than a day or two to return a message.

Customarily, in personal phone calls and business phone calls, if a message is left, the caller will leave a message and wait a couple of days before calling back if the person has yet to return the phone call.

I think limitation is good as not to harass.

and any collector who follows that is clearly trying to harass.

I think limitation is good as not to harass.

Customarily, in personal phone calls and business phone calls, if a message is left, the caller will leave a message and wait a couple of days before calling back if the person has yet to return the phone call.

I think limitation is good as not to harass.

This is the way normal phone etiquette works--both in personal phone calls and in business calls.

and any collector who follows that is clearly trying to harass.

Who else would someone call 3-4 times in a day?

But, with the example of 1 call per day, I would think that there would also need to be another limitation such as 1 call per day or no more than 4 calls in a week.

Otherwise, a collector could call 1 time a day, 7 times a week, 30 times in a month, etc.


Input: Creditors should only be allowed to call between the hours of 9am until 7pm local time unless they have written consent (maybe even a web form) that gives them a minimum 3 hour window in which to call. Additionally, they are limited to 3 phone calls a day maximum. If they leave a message they should be required to leave the name of the company, the name of the representative, the number to call, and a reference number. In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount. The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.). My brother has several private student loans. About a year ago we started getting phone calls from Discover in regards to student loans and we all assumed that it was a sales call because no one living at my address had student loans with them. Eventually we managed to be home when they called and we discovered that two of my brother' s loans were sold to Discover and he was never notified. So all this time thinking it was a sales call, because Discover only gave a 1-800 number to call about student loans and not even the name of the person they were trying to reach, his loans were actually in default because Discover cancelled the forbearance he had upon purchase. When he attempted to put them back into forbearance, Discover told him they " didn' t have a system for that yet ".

Creditors should only be allowed to call between the hours of 9am until 7pm local time unless they have written consent (maybe even a web form) that gives them a minimum 3 hour window in which to call.

Additionally, they are limited to 3 phone calls a day maximum.

If they leave a message they should be required to leave the name of the company, the name of the representative, the number to call, and a reference number.

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

My brother has several private student loans.

About a year ago we started getting phone calls from Discover in regards to student loans and we all assumed that it was a sales call because no one living at my address had student loans with them.

Eventually we managed to be home when they called

and we discovered that two of my brother' s loans were sold to Discover

and he was never notified.

So all this time thinking it was a sales call, because Discover only gave a 1-800 number to call about student loans and not even the name of the person they were trying to reach, his loans were actually in default

because Discover cancelled the forbearance he had upon purchase.

When he attempted to put them back into forbearance, Discover told him they " didn' t have a system for that yet ".

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

My brother has several private student loans.

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

About a year ago we started getting phone calls from Discover in regards to student loans and we all assumed that it was a sales call because no one living at my address had student loans with them.

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

Eventually we managed to be home when they called

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

and we discovered that two of my brother' s loans were sold to Discover

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

and he was never notified.

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

So all this time thinking it was a sales call, because Discover only gave a 1-800 number to call about student loans and not even the name of the person they were trying to reach, his loans were actually in default

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

because Discover cancelled the forbearance he had upon purchase.

In regards to debt sales, the entity selling the debt should give 90 days notice of the intent to sell giving the consumer notification of the intent to sell and maybe even offer a settlement amount.

When he attempted to put them back into forbearance, Discover told him they " didn' t have a system for that yet ".

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

My brother has several private student loans.

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

About a year ago we started getting phone calls from Discover in regards to student loans and we all assumed that it was a sales call because no one living at my address had student loans with them.

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

Eventually we managed to be home when they called

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

and we discovered that two of my brother' s loans were sold to Discover

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

and he was never notified.

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

So all this time thinking it was a sales call, because Discover only gave a 1-800 number to call about student loans and not even the name of the person they were trying to reach, his loans were actually in default

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

because Discover cancelled the forbearance he had upon purchase.

The entity purchasing the debt must honor any and all terms of the debt they are purchasing (i. e. payment plans, deferment/forbearance, etc.).

When he attempted to put them back into forbearance, Discover told him they " didn' t have a system for that yet ".


Input: The courts should also mandate that if a debtor has reached out to the creditor in an attempt to negotiate the creditor must continue to try to reach a settlement rather than seeking judgment against the debtor. Also, the collection agency should not be able to add interest on top of debt that seek judgment for if the debtor agrees to pay since they will make a profit over what they paid the original creditor. Basically these so called " attorneys " (just another form of ambulance chaser in my book) are just forcing bankruptcies upon people who would be willing to work a deal and then they and the courts and the government are whining about what the bankruptcies do to the economy and the bottom line. Last time I checked even in a court of law you can' t play both sides.

The courts should also mandate that if a debtor has reached out to the creditor in an attempt to negotiate the creditor must continue to try to reach a settlement rather than seeking judgment against the debtor.

Also, the collection agency should not be able to add interest on top of debt that seek judgment for if the debtor agrees to pay

since they will make a profit over what they paid the original creditor.

Basically these so called " attorneys " (just another form of ambulance chaser in my book) are just forcing bankruptcies upon people who would be willing to work a deal

and then they and the courts and the government are whining about what the bankruptcies do to the economy and the bottom line.

Last time I checked even in a court of law you can' t play both sides.

Also, the collection agency should not be able to add interest on top of debt that seek judgment for if the debtor agrees to pay

since they will make a profit over what they paid the original creditor.