Asset Acceptance won't play wif me...:-(

[AmyDeLune]

We've been getting calls from this outfit called Asset Acceptance (and it was like pulling teeth to get that much out of them). The first call I answered (and it turned out my Mom had answered and hung up on a few already), this woman, who eventually identified herself as "Louise", asked for my sister-in-law, insisting that she had been given our phone number as a contact. I politely refused to give her the number, telling her that my sister-in-law did not and never had lived at our address. "Louise" then got snarky, ranting about how they were often given contact numbers where the contactee did not reside. I still refused to give her the number and she finally asked if she could leave a message. I said no problem. I now have "Louise's" number and extension.:evilgrin:

I Googled the phone number she gave me and found out that it is for some slimy debt collection agency which apparently makes a practice of buying old, uncollectable debt, altering a few dates and then claiming that a new payment has been made on an old debt, thus reactivating it and giving them the right to collect it (plus fees and interest of course). Their M.O. is to bully and threaten in order to scare people into giving them information or paying the non-existant debt.

I notified my brother, who said thanks, he had been getting spammed by them on his cell phone. He's planning to check to make sure there hasn't been any identity theft.

A few days ago "Louise" called again, demanding my sister-in-law's phone number. I decided to see how long I could string her along.

Rough approximation of conversation;

Louise: Hello, is A**** there?

Me: No, A**** doesn't live here.

Louise: I know that but I have this as her contact number.

Me: Well, she isn't here.

Louise: I know she doesn't live there, I have this as her contact number, give me her number and I'll call her.

Me: Who gave you this number as her contact number?

Louise: She did.

Me: No, she didn't.

Louise: Are you calling me a liar?!? This is her contact number and if you don't give me her number, I'll keep calling you!!1! :crazy:

Me: Who is this?

Louise: You know who I am, I identified myself three times already!!1!

Me: No you didn't.

Louise: *click*

So now I await next week's call, contemplating how to best confound Louise while amusing myself.

Suggestions welcome.:evilgrin:

[LeftyMom]

1. Find out your state's laws on creditor calls.

You can probably file a complaint for harassment, since they know you're not the debtor and keep calling you anyhow.

[AmyDeLune]

4. Ah, they are slimy, but not stupid--

Never once have they said why they want to contact my sister-in-law. I know who/what they are because I googled them, not because they admitted to anything. Once I get them to admit the purpose of the calls, I'll contact the appropriate people. My brother's a cop. Seriously, they picked the wrong people to scam.

I think I can get Louise's head to explode though. She's not used to people saying "no".:evilgrin:

[LeftyMom]

5. The rules apply to them either way. Just tell them not to call back.

Record the call if your state permits it, write down the date and time if not. Send a certified letter to their address since you googled them, telling them that the person they're looking for is not at your address, you're not her answering service, and not to call you again or you'll contact the authorities.

In some states they get big fines for violations and you can get a share for reporting them.

[AmyDeLune]

8. That's a good idea-

a hefty fine should get their attention. They might also qualify for my state's anti-stalking laws too...:toast:

[Gormy Cuss]

10. They're not allowed to tell you why they're looking for her.

That's a violation of the FDCPA. On the other hand, they are required to identify themselves properly on request. Both of the above are assuming that the collection is covered by FDCPA. If it isn't, it's generally your state's consumer laws that apply.

Here's the FTC's guide book. It will help you tailor further contacts.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf
LeftyMom is right that in most cases you can tell them directly to cease calling you and that ought to do it. Cite sections from the FDCPA the next time Louise calls.

[AmyDeLune]

16. Thanks!

I should do that. I will do that. (I really do enjoy bully-baiting though :evilgrin:) Louise refusing to identify herself and hanging up on me is a pretty big clue that Asset Acceptance isn't legit.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Tell her you think you might have the number but you'll have to go look for it.

Say, "Just hang on for a second," then put the phone down and have lunch or mow the lawn or go to a movie.

[AmyDeLune]

6. I've considered it,

but Louise obviously gets such joy from being a bully (I keep thinking of all the little old ladies she's probably frightened and harassed)I really want to hear head explode.:evilgrin:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. Then maybe you could try this variation:

"OK, Louise, I think I have her number here somewhere."

(Long pause)

"I think this is it. This is a real old address book and the writing is all faded. Wait a second while I get my glasses."

(Long pause)

"OK. Do you have a pencil?"

"Here. Oh, wait, this is my college roommate's old number."

(Long pause)

"See, this address book isn't in alphabetical order. Hang on..."

(Long pause)

"Maybe this is it. I think the area code is 4-1-something. Maybe that's a four? I can't really tell."

(Long pause)

"Louise? You still there? I think that last number is a seven. Or maybe it's a nine."

(Long pause)

"Oh, damn, maybe this isn't the right person either. I just noticed the last name isn't spelled right; no, wait, the page is all wrinkled so I can't really read the name. I think it got wet. Can you wait a few more minutes? I think I can iron the page flat. Hang on..."

And so on and so forth. You could string this thing out for a really long time, see how long it takes before Louise loses it.

[Pierre.Suave]

13. You are evil

but funny...

:rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. Thank you. I try.

[AmyDeLune]

18. Seconded!

That is definitely one I'll try.:toast:

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. ...

[AmyDeLune]

7. I like you...

I have a british bobby's whistle...:evilgrin:

[Oeditpus Rex]

9. Oooo!

After you blow it, you can say, "What's all this, then?" :bounce:

[Pierre.Suave]

12. Watch the movie Maxed Out

I think that is what it is called.

These collection agencies are SO slimy, there are people in that movie that had family members commit suicide after being harassed by some of these collection agencies.

[AccessGranted]

15. Oh Man.....I Feel For You...Asset Acceptance is Torture...Read This!

I had to deal with them once. They are the shadiest bunch of scammy collectors ever. I had to take them to court and get a lawyer (luckily I work at a law firm). They lied horribly about the amount of money I owed and then served wage execution court papers to an old address of mine they knew I didn't live at even though I'd given them my current address, so I wouldn't show up and court and they get a judgement by default when I failed to appear. They are horrible. I spoke to their legal counsel on the phone and he sounded like he was drunk. He was slurring and not making any sense. These people will call you a million times a day, call your job and call everybody you know. They even called my boss and told him they were doing an income verification for a credit card I applied for. All a lie. I had to go to court. I had to file a cease and desist order to stop the harrassment and then do a settlement agreement (for the correct amount I owed which was about a third of what they "said" I owed) and make a payment schedule. I am done with them now. It was a horrifying ordeal. Definitely check your state laws and if you have any questions let me know.

[Pierre.Suave]

17. Damn, that really sucks...

I bet you have one of the "happier endings" out there though...

[AccessGranted]

19. Only because I had a lawyer

If I didn't I would have been totally screwed. They were trying to garnish like $175.00 a week out of my pay check. They said I owed $4,700 and I only owed $1,700. They ought to be shot. They can make a person lose their mind (for real).

[Pierre.Suave]

20. Have you seen the documentary

Maxed Out?

It is really eye opening with regards to the tactics the credit cards companies and collection agencies use.

[AccessGranted]

23. No, never saw it

But I no longer have any credit card debts and I'm glad.

[AmyDeLune]

21. I am so, so sorry...:-(

That's horrible.:scared:
I'm glad you were able to get it resolved though.
I'll tell my brother to find out *exactly* what they are trying to collect on ASAP before someone slips up and gives up my sister-in-law's (unlisted) phone number.

[AmyDeLune]

22. Life interrupts the Matrix; I'll be back later, please keep posting...

Thanks! :grouphug: :yourock: :headbang: :woohoo: :hi: :toast: :bounce:

[suninvited]

24. If you just want to play, try this

Louise is here, but she is too drunk to come to the phone.

My boyfriend used to do that when he was at my house, of course I would knock him in the head later. But, the caller on the other end was always at a total loss as to what to say.