Bill collectors.

A cease & desist order works wonders with bill collectors - it will stop them from calling. I would suggest instructing them they are not to call you anymore (at home, work, period) but they may still make contact by U.S. mail. Then make them an offer or payment arrangements when you are honestly able to do so. Do everything in writing and keep copies (very important). I've had some call who were initially quite nice; It did not last long. As soon as I was not able to agree to whatever they wanted, which sometimes is completely unreasonable, they became nasty.

I worked as a debt collector for 5 years - no longer in that field. Unfortunately, debt collectors have a bad reputation. But it's a job, and someone has to do it! The FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) is a set of laws that collectors have to follow, it's basically a protection for debtors. I agree, there are many rude collectors out there, but from experience, alot of the times, debtors are just as bad. If you don't want to talk to collectors, I would suggest you write them a cease and desist letter asking them to stop communicating with you. Now, if you want to make an arrangement, and still don't want to talk to anyone, write them a letter, tell them how much you can pay, state the reason why you can't pay more, and just start making your payments every month, make sure you send the letter certified and get a return receipt. Keep record of all payments sent, and make sure you follow through with your arrangements. If they call you once they receive a cease and desist letter from you, they are breaking the law, and can be fined if you were to hire an attorney. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! :o)

back when this was a big problem for us, a few years ago, I just didn't answer the phone if I did not recognize the number. All bill collectors, etc, were filtered through my husband.

funny story about bill collecters... when i lived with my parents i had a bill collector call and he wanted to talk to my dad who was not home. i said hes not home right now the collecter said can i leave a number for him to call back i told him i would love to wright it down but i'm on the toilet and don't have a pen handy! he was like umm ok sorry about that and hung up. really i was watching tv and didn't want to be bothered. i bet that was the first time he heard that!

I hang up on the rude ones. I don't let them talk crap to me. I have had a few nice ones to work with me but very seldom do you find them. Most of the time if i know its a bill collector i don't answer.