Take a deep breath and call.
By taface412
@taface412 (3175)
United States
January 16, 2009 10:46am CST
With the economy the way it is all creditors are nervous I am sure. But what makes me frustrated are the ones who when they contact you make you feel like you are less of a person for not being able to pay the whole bill or make you feel like you have to prove to them your personal info so they can judge you.
I had this happen to me. And I did not take the bait since I have joined with a Consolidation place. I could understand if I was not in debt with other creditors, but I am, and I could understand if I was not taking steps to honor repayment, but I am. Gone are the days when some of these people are understanding to circumstances it seems. But when they began asking my salary info, and I know these credit collectors sell info (which I believe is illegal) I just ended the call. It went too far at that point. No one should have to prove to anyone why they are in debt....especially if they have proof of attempt to repay.
So I immediately called the place that is helping me with repayment. And immediately not only did they contact the place to help clarify this situation, but they also made me feel like I was a person again and not just a debtor. After I contacted them yesterday to get updates on the situation I thanked them greatfully for being there to help and support. And this is a non-profit organization that is accredited. Check them out at the BBB.
So people, just know when they start hunting you down and you feel overwhelmed there are places that not only will help you repay, but they treat you like a real human being. They tell you the truth as well as making sure you know it's not like the sky is falling in on you. There are some that are questionable, but the one I am with called Cambridge Credit Consolidation is very legit. Their CSR reps are friendly and thorough. I have used them over the years to clear off other bills. And they also have a good payer program...in other words you pay them on time so they can disburse your funds they give you a little of the money they receive to help repay.
I just wanted to let people know like they say on their "hold musac" Remember it's just money, it's not the end of the world.
4 responses
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I've worked in collections as a Paralegal and I wanted to sue some of the collectors for the harassing things they would say to people who fell on hard times. Many people are guilty by association but if you can pay your debts then do so, good luck.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I understand a person doing their job, but when someone is trying to speak to them about how they are attempting to repay and how and they even acknowledge payments coming in...and they still choose to make your life into something you need to explain. Well, you're right they do harrass. They are scary people who I am not sure how they sleep at night because how they speak to people. And I am glad also to know the calls are recorded for "quality purposes".
I have never had this much issue before while in repayment and I am sure this is attached to the economical stuff going on.
Thanks for the response.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
4 Aug 09
I always make sure that I tell them that I am attempting to pay my debt, because they do record you....and you are right. One company said my "little" amount I could pay was not a serious attempt when another accepted it just fine. I think they are the devil's advocates similar to credit cards and all those intertwined with those things.
@milagrosdavila47 (107)
• United States
31 Jul 09
I've received many calls from collections and I understand that their job is to get the money from clients but sometimes it's impossible to talk to them. Many times they are rude and speak to you as though you're trash. I usually wind up hanging up on them when it's like that. Do they honestly think people wnat to ruin their credit?? We can't pay what we don't have. It's gone so far where I could only give about 20 a month and that was rejected cuz they said they needed at least 100. I told the lady that if they couldn't take the 20 then there was nothing I could do for her and hung up. When they treat me like a human, I try to work with them and come up with a compromise.
@sudalunts (5523)
• United States
16 Jan 09
Thanks for your post and infomation. I am currently going through this with people calling me. I have been out of work for seven months, and I try explaining to them, that I can only pay what I can. I have other obligations as well, rent, food, gas etc.
I am really stressing today, my husband has a sales job which is commission only, and today he did not receive any pay. At this time we have no money, I do not know how he will work next week because he needs gas in the car in order to make his appointments.
I have been paying what I can, to let the creditors know that I am not abandoning the accounts, but that is not enough for them.
The problem I have with consolidation companies is that you have to pay a certain amount each month, and for me that is hard because I do not have a stable cash flow, and may not have the money when they are expecting payment.
I am so stressed, we currently have zero dollars, no food, no gas in the car etc.
Again, I am glad I saw your post, and look this company up online.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I posted this because I know everyone is going through this hassle and I hope they can help you. When i spoke with the guy yesterday he told me to tell others about them and I simply said "I do all the time."
Here is there number to their client cervices department :1-800-527-7595 and here is the link to their site:http://cambridge-credit.org/
It's worth checking out.
All the best to you.
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 09
creditors are just going to have to suck it up. no one has money these days. we wouldnt have taken loans for some things if we had known we were soon going to be in a depression.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
16 Jul 10
I am glad that you had a great experience and thank you for sharing.
I get calls from these creditors and they have all been nasty. I have one company who claims I owe them money (someone has committed fraud on me and the company does not believe me). The company used to call me three times a day saying that they are a law firm and that they have a case number. Of course when I ask for the number the person tells me he cannot give me that number. The debt that they are calling about is not mine. I keep a list of all the credit cards I have opened in the past (I felt it helps to be organized) and this company kept calling me names and threatening to garnish my husband's wages and to put a lien on the house. I had done some research amd found out that this company is not a real law firm, but a debt consolidation place. Also, they do not have a real office they use a post office box.
