Federal Credit agency help!!!

I am hoping someone could offer me some advice.

I have been getting harassed by Federal Credit agency for the past 6 months. I have a debt approximately $55 000 that went into default after I was layed off from the airlines. I have made every attempt to make payments only to be threatened with legal action or garnishments.

According to them, the only option available to me is to pay it off by taking out a loan from a bank/family member or face legal action. However, the amount that I am able to pay, according to them, keeps miraculously changing -in fact, there are days when I feel like I am talking to Used Car Salesmen. First it was a bargain basement price of $30 000, then $25 000 and now $20 000. When I asked them to send me documentation on the amount that I actually owe, it came in the form of a letter from their lawyers seeking legal action against me.

Luckily, about a month ago, I came across this website and gained some valuable information. With this, I told them (ie: 2 seperate agents and a manager) that I no longer wish to communicate with them over the phone, through mail correspondance only, as they were harassing me and becoming verbally abusive. I told them that not discussing a payment option was illegal, and only offering a lumpsum payoff was also unlawful. I told them that I was in discussions with a lawyer to determine my rights. The agent abruptly hung up the phone saying, "Fine, you go talk to your bloody laywer then, because we'll see you in court". Up until recently it has been nice and quiet, but I am now thinking it was the calm before the storm.

A few days ago, Randy, claiming to be their adjudication officer, has been calling me every day on my cell phone looking to talk to me. I have returned his messages at times I knew he wouldn't be in to have the appearance that I am not avoiding repayments. He called today saying that he 'has another number' to get in touch with me, which turns out to be my grandparents phone number. I left a message with him that I would prefer to see him in court as I have made every attempt to make payments only to be refused and that calling members of my family is illegal. As a result, he left the following message: "Hi, it's Randy - I got your message, and I would really like to speak to you, especially based on what you said. I am the adjudication officer in this office and I have a bit more authority then some of the collectors you were dealing with and maybe we can hammer something out."

So what do I do now?

I do not want to give the appearance that I am refusing a payment plan as I know that's what the courts are looking for (and I am not)- however, this agency has been abusive, unlawful and I don't trust them in the slightest. I would like to make payments, however all I can afford is about $100 a month and with their interest rates being 7% - I will be paying this until the day I die. I honestly believe that I would be better off in front of a judge then dealing with these yahoos.

What do you suggest?

I should add, although I am not looking to avoid the debt - just the harrassment - I am about to move, they'll have no idea where I am, and as my current residence is about to be demolished, I can't see how they can trace me. I am willing to change my phone number (cell phone) if that will help my cause.

Please help - I can assure you its much appreciated!

CSD- welcome to the site! Tell your grandparents to
start RECORDING their phone calls from the ca
trying to locate you. Make sure the person on the
other end is aware of this. If the calls are abusive
and threatening (probably will be) copy the phone
calls. Send one copy to the ministry of consumer
and corporate affairs specific to your province. Send
another copy to your mp, mpp etc. DOCUMENT
EVERYTHING!!!!! Since the ca knows where to
contact you there is no need for him to be
HARASSING your grandparents.

I had a friend whose grandparents were contacted
by ca's regarding her student loans. This 'person'
became abusive to my friends grandfather. I guess
ca's figure that elderly people are less likely to use
profanities (wrong! ). My friends
grandfather got on the phone and TORE a piece out
of this ca by saying he hadn't stormed the beaches
at Normandy (he really was there!) to be insulted by
some two bit reject of a ca. It gets better......my
friends grandfather was also a lawyer and
documented everything and SUED (and won) the
collection agency for harassment. The agency was
fined BIG TIME and the ca that bothered my friend's
grandfather lost his license (that was made sure of).
Oh yeah...a written apology was also issued!

 

 Sky Diva,

 If you are gainfully employed, then there is an avenue of execution should they choose to litigate. It all depends on financial data - and the type of student debt in question. If you decide to dodge them, and they are serious about litigation, then they have alternatives to service the litigation process ie substituted service.

 The key is to not let it escalate to the worst case scenario, Java. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

 

Johnny

 

 They cannot crush you unless you let them crush you. Awareness is the solution. Sometimes a little help makes a difference also. That is all it takes, really. I have hundreds of clients who feel the same way as many here - and are now on the road to recovery.

Johnny