Sorry to be a pest.  I posted this a couple of days ago under a different topic, but now I am getting a bit desperate and was hoping for a wee bit of advice. Thanks.

"I have been following this site with interest as alot of my questions regarding the torture inflicted by collection agencies have been answered.  I am, however, currently in a new vat of oil. 

Somehow TCR has found out where I work.  I have to keep my phone on forward and have the receptionist on the wary for phonecalls asking for my manager, which she redirects. Bless her. This is not only mortifying but, I fear, also illegal.  They are threatening to garnish my wages and somehow were able to secure other financial information from my credit history.  Does that not require written permission, particularly as the loans quoted are joint with my spouse? 

I believe my loans(taken out in '93) are stats barred, as the "brilliant" agent who has been hounding me disclosed that I have not made a voluntary payment since '96.  They have been taking my GST and tax returns though.

My Questions: What should I do now?  How can I make them stop calling my office?  I don't want to make the wrong move and give them an edge.  Can they do anything to assets jointly owned with a spouse?

Thanks.

p.s. I graduated in 1993 and had been a stay-at-home mom of meagre means until I went back to work last year."

i'd email johmmy and see what he can find out.  if you haven't made any payments since 96 i believe your loans would be stats barred but you dont want to open up that can of worms on your own.

they are not supposed to call you at work - something johnny can definately help you with.  he does charge for his services, but he is worth it from what i have read.  the man knows his stuff.

as far as your spouse goes - unless he cosigned your student loans they cannot touch him.  joint assets i have no clue, thats another question for johnny.

Thanks for your advice.

I am following it right now.....JOHNNY ...HELP!!!!!

That miserable woman, Julia Small, from TCR, called my office again today but I was covering for the receptionist and recognized her voice/intentions when she asked to be put through to our payroll department or whoever takes care of wage garnishments.  Luckily, the girl who takes care of our payroll dept. was away today so, I asked for the TCR rep's name and message, which she reluctantly gave me. 

Johnny I need this job and what's left of my reputation!!! (embarrassing to have to go around whispering to co-workers who cover the phones not to give out any info about me and pretend I'm not here) I feel like a criminal!!!

My husband and I (+3kids)are struggling to pay all our bills as it is. If I had money I would have paid.  Just like everyone else here.

Johnny, please contact me.

 I can fix this problem of yours but you do have to become a client. This is something that will take some work.

 A collector can contact an employer to verify payroll information as part of a process to begin legal proceedings. Before their client (your lender) will grant permissionto sue, an avenue of execution must be determined, which in your case payroll is their solution depending on what you earn.

 The collector is NOT allowed to discuss the debt with anyone. All they are permitted to say is that they are calling from wherever they work - and need to verify your income and employment status. If Payroll asks any questions that would cause the collector to "reveal" confidential data, then the collector is required to say "we are not at liberty to discuss these issues due to a confidentiality legislation - which restricts us from disclosing sensitive information".

 If the collector discloses any information that may be detrimental tyo you, or your employment, they are breaking the law. So, they cannot reveal who they are collecting for, the amount, or anything about the debt. They are also NOT allowed to comment on your character, personality, or their perceived thoughts toward your level of responsibility or integrity. it is all against the law. The collector is only trying to verify an avenue of execution and not screening you for a character reference.

 In your case, it seems that you are in a predicament. Again, i can fix this but you would have to willing to come forward as a client.

I wish you the best of luck and hopwe this information is helpful.

Johnny

Thanks for the reply Johnny.

I have between 5 and 10 hangup messages on my voicemail per day and I have to be constantly on pins and needles as this woman has been calling others at my work and prying into my work schedule, etc.

Before I have a nervous breakdown , Johnny please tell me how to contact you to become a client!