I was watching Gail Vaz Oxlade’s Princess and Till Debt Do Us part over the weekend and it shocked me to see how many people consolidate their debt. While consolidation is a great option for some, it is starting to be sold as the “magic cure” for some. This ends up creating a spiral that most people can not get out of.
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Wait, I’m sorry, did that say “threatening the family dog”?? A debt collector would do that for serious? That’s ridiculous. This isn’t “Fear” here people! Of course, I guess back in the day debt collectors chopped off people’s hands and killed family members and stuff, so … I’m just sayin’, at least we don’t have that problem anymore.
TB at BlueCollarWorkman recently posted..Blue Collar Roundup — The Awesome 80s Movies Edition
I know, eh. Its the commission part that makes people crazy.
Wow.. that’s super scary! I can’t believe that actually happens – what really surprises me is the fact that this is just a job for some debt collectors, its not like they get extra incentive to threaten and bully.
Daisy @ Add Vodka recently posted..Trick Yourself Into Saving Money
They are on commission.
My best friend was harassed by debt collectors for student loans. The ridiculous part is that she wasn’t even late – she was trying to come up with a plan to pay it off. She was on unemployment at the time and pregnant, and she said she would give them the $300 payment the next month… they threatened to sue her and kept harassing her. At the time I thought that they were just doing their jobs, but learning that they make money off of commission is no wonder why they are so aggressive.
Thanks for this…may need to deal with these pesky people in the future. I’m a bit disappointed with Chase though – for selling accounts that were misrepresented. Major fail on their part.
From Shopping to Saving recently posted..Shopping Smart & Not Settling For Less
A lot of banks so some shady things. Im not surprised at anything these days.
Debt collectors are a notoriously slimy bunch, though no doubt there are exceptions. Anyone overdue on debt should read the FTC’s Fact Sheet called Fair Debt Collection (just Google it). Just because you’re past due on debt doesn’t mean you have to put up with everything and anything. You still have legal rights, and if you don’t know what they are, no one’s going to tell you. Also, for especially abusive debt collectors, you can hire (on contingency) a consumer law attorney and turn the tables by suing the debt collector and collecting damages. File complaints with the FTC too, the do follow-up.
Kurt @ Money Counselor recently posted..Credit Card Protection?
I didn’t know that! Maybe I’ll do a follow up post on that.
I love the info-graphic. This is a situation that getting out of hand. Just look at those increases. I’ve seen a lot of publicity on this on TV as well – especially the death threats and illegal methods.
MyMoneyDesign recently posted..Be Careful With The 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawals
The economy is tanking and the collectors are commission. Its a dangerous mix.
Great find with the infographic. I like watching Til Debt Do Us Part on Saturday nights!
Robert @ The College Investor recently posted..Money: What Does it Really Mean to You?
I watch it everytime its on!
It’s quite amazing what collectors get away with. If the consumer only took a few minutes to find out what the law was they could at least make the collector aware of that fact and the collector would (if they’re semi-intelligent) stop doing the illegal practices.
With that said, some people completely avoid collectors and that obviously doesn’t work very well. It’s good to have an open line of communication but you also shouldn’t expect any sympathy. They don’t really care what you’re going through or have gone through, they just want their money.
Jason @ WSL recently posted..Recipe: Spinach Pesto Pasta
Exactly. The avoidance part is what gets most people into trouble.
That’s so messed up that that agency has collected so much from family members of the deceased. I bought into this myth and stressed about it for a long time. Then I talked to my insurance agent (who does a good deal of financial work) when I was taking out a policy, and she notified me that if the debtor dies, it’s the bank’s fault for lending money out to them. In no way is it the responsibility of family members. THANK GOD.
femmefrugality recently posted..Frugal Cooking 204
The sad part is that most people dont know and most likely will pay the collection companies.
My brother was harassed by bill collectors for a couple of years. They’ve actually called our house before looking for him…and we don’t even live in the same state, but just goes to show how hardcore they are! Debt consolidation is something we never considered because I know that it destroys your credit. I prefer to do things myself.
jefferson recently posted..My Expensive Vice That Went Up In Flames
The collectors are on the hunt all the time.
You can try a debt consolidation service. I did and it got me out of debt. These programs usually don’t worry about your income or anything like that, and can usually get your rates lowered and get you back on track.
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