Hello All, 

I stumbled across this Web site while looking for contact information for Collect Corp. See I received a very nasty call from a collector, and when I told her that I was working with the Office of Student Financial Services with my University, she began to ask why.. I then politely told her that I didn't feel it relavent, since I had already informed her that I was working directly with their client.. to which she spewed out some nonsense about not taking responsibility, staying in collections, affecting my credit rating.. etc.. then, when I asked for her name.. she hung up.

I worked in collections for about 3 months back in 2000 as I was desperate for a job. And while there I was taught a great deal about what was legal and what wasn't.. which is why I was extremely shocked to read some of your stories! People's parents being called, bank representatives, refusing payments..

It is legally required that the collector confirm they have the correct person on the telephone and it is completely ILLEGAL for the collector to discuss your financial information with ANYONE other then yourself. The ONLY exception to this is if you have granted your permission in writing, or if you are deceased. In fact, in my day we had to ask.. '..is this the John Doe of 123 Any Street?' before we were allowed to continue.

Also, if they tell you they are going to proceed with legal action.. call your creditor directly. The Client (creditor) has to consent to legal action. Now, it may be part of their contract with the collection agency, but based on the postings here.. I would ask the Creditor directly. 

If you tell them you are working with your creditor directly, the collection calls should cease. This is not indefinite, as they will usually confirm with the creditor... but they are supposed to stop calling.

I will say this, when I worked in Collections I had the fear of god put to me.. and was told in no uncertain terms that if I was found to be breaking the law, I would lose my job. However, within three months I found that many of the employees (usually the ones making the most money, as collectors are paid on commision) were regularly breaking the rules, and that management was fully aware.

I strongly urge all of you who have had your rights violated to file formal complaints. Just remember that some collectors are single mothers, students, or desperate for a job and just trying to earn an honest days living. Not all collectors deserve a bad name.

former wrote: I strongly urge all of you who have had your rights violated to file formal complaints. Just remember that some collectors are single mothers, students, or desperate for a job and just trying to earn an honest days living. Not all collectors deserve a bad name.

Former, I really hate to break it to ya....most of us on here have been abused by the likes of you and could care very less what demographic some collectors come from in order to earn a living.  There is no excuse for behaviour that demeans, demoralizes, lies and abuses individuals!!!