Three of my previous posts were on “Crazy Stuff Collectors Say.” In case you missed those posts, here are the quick-links to the previous articles:
Crazy Stuff Collectors Say – Part I
Crazy Stuff Collectors Say – Part II
Crazy Stuff Collectors Say – Part III
I wanted to follow up on this theme, because lately I’ve been hearing a lot of reports from clients on a tactic that seems to be getting more and more play. It’s been around forever, but I’ve been hearing it used much more often recently. Here’s how it goes:
You get a voicemail message (because you’re screening your phone calls) from a collection agency or a collection attorney firm. “This is Joe Smith with XYZ Company. I have your case file on my desk – number 12345. I strongly recommend that you have your attorney call me immediately.”
Scary sounding, right? Nope! Just a debt collector trying to get you to call back for another dose of verbal abuse and strong-arm collection pressure.
Third-party debt collectors are not permitted to threaten litigation unless (a) they are in a position to bring said litigation, and (b) they have been authorized by the creditor to file a lawsuit. But the above voicemail message technically does not violate that rule. Notice the technique. They did not say they were going to file a lawsuit. Instead, they referred to a “case number,” and you automatically think “court case” when they meant their internal file reference number. Next, they are telling you to have your attorney call them. You immediately think, “Oh, no! I must be getting sued!”
Folks, this is a BLUFF, and that’s all.
The collectors using this technique are usually the LEAST likely to bring an actual lawsuit. It’s a tactic used frequently by agencies located in a different state than yours. It’s getting harder and harder for these collectors to reach debtors, as more people become aware of their rights under the law. So this is a common tactic employed to create what I call a “false sense of urgency.”
If you are on the receiving end of collection activity and you get this type of voicemail or message, remember it’s most likely just a collection tactic to get you to call them back. If you think you might have been sued, but you’re not sure, then simply call your local courthouse and ask. It’s that simple.
Kathy Claypoole says
I have been contacted by an attorney via US Postal Service that I need to come to their office on above date for deposition. Need to bring last 3 years tax returns, cancelled checks, bank statements, and other items which I don’t possess. What does all this really mean? Of course, they have a phone number you can call and I assume to try to work out a deal so as not to go for deposition. Should I just call them to see what terms we can come to?
Thank you for your time.
Charles Phelan says
Kathy, I’m not an attorney so not able to provide you with legal advice. Go to http://www.NACA.net and find a local attorney you can speak with about this situation.