🚨 FORMER DEBT COLLECTOR EXPOSES THE ONE QUESTION THAT STOPS COLLECTION CALLS IMMEDIATELY A woman who says she worked as a debt collector for 15 years claims there was one question callers could ask that stopped collectors cold. According to her, the moment someone asked: “Can you provide written... proof you have the legal right to collect this debt?” Everything changed. She says many debts are bought and sold for pennies between companies, and the collectors calling people often don’t actually have the paperwork proving they legally own the debt. Under the FDCPA, consumers have the right to request verification before paying anything. She says when people asked for written proof, collectors often couldn’t provide it… and the call would basically end right there. Now the clip is going viral as people debate whether most debt collectors are actually able to prove the debts they’re chasing. How many people have paid a collector without ever asking that question first?show more

I also did debt collection, if the debt is not secured and it’s already made it to a debt collector, then you already took the hit on your credit and you can just ignore it. I had one woman, took out a 25000 unsecured personal loan and went to Atlantic City and gambled it all away.. she never made one payment on the loan. It went to 120 days and the bank wrote it off .. true story..

We can buy our own debt? 🤔💭💸

Selling it off to a third party should make it null and void. You don’t have a contract with these debt collectors.

Louder for the people in the back! 📢 Stop giving away your hard-earned money to “middle-man” companies that bought your info for pennies and don't even have the files to back it up. Verify EVERYTHING.

@FightYourFate18 Also you should ask them for a line by line account of who how and what amounts owed. By law they have to do this as well. At least years ago when I told them this. They said ok. Never heard from them again. Always ask for that.

I’ve done this and they send you a verification of debt letter in the mail.

Many people panic when collectors call, but knowing your rights can completely change the conversation. Always ask questions first.

Also, debt collectors on average collect $0.04 on every $1 in debt, so if you are inclined to settle you can make an outrageously low offer and they might accept.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to debt collection. Many agencies rely on consumer intimidation rather than legal documentation. Under the FDCPA, the burden of proof is on them, not you. Always demand a 'Debt Validation Letter' before paying a single cent.

Debt collect agencies buy debt from clients. e.g. an attorney hires a co to collect its debt, thy sent a letter trying to collect the debt. The debtor needs 2say "I didnt agree to pay U, I agreed to pay the attorney, remove my name from UR collection letters" &by law they have 2

@Amicus_Chiron I had one of these scumbag lawyer / bill collectors, could not provide any evidence of the debt (I had paid in full & had all docs) Idiot judge would not dismiss,lawyer ended up no show on court date Your local judge is probably a POS that does not protect community from conmen

The most expensive mistake people make with debt collectors is assuming the person calling actually owns the debt. A confident voice on the phone doesn’t equal legal proof.

I’ve used this… best to use letters as they serve as evidence in court, which you could need. Take the extra time and make it a letter.

@TonySouth14 Another killer move is to pay your debts.

To further the argument, ask for proof of contract, signed by yourself and the company in question. No contract, no obligation. Period.

If it goes to a collection agency, your credit already took the hit, it can't take it twice. The agency buys the debt for pennies on the dollar in hopes you settle with them and they make a profit. Even if you pay 30-40%. Don't pay them a penny.

I was a victim of ID fraud and got several calls from a debt collector. I asked for written verification of the debt and never got it. And the calls stopped.

@grok is this legit

@leigh_fall Who the fuck is paying their to debts? Society is about to collapse, spend it if you got it

Well dang.. wish I knew this in my 20’s and had to miss so much work for my Special Needs child. I struggled bc I had no idea what was to come when child was born. I made deals w collectors and eventually got a 2nd job so I could pay. The time lost was not worth it

You definitely SHOULD be telling Americans this! Thanks for sharing, HustleBitch.

I’ve never paid a debt collector not ever and I never intend to.

I had some on my ass a couple years ago and sent them a letter asking for several things, the one listed above included. I got them all to go bye bye. Even the one with a lawsuit started against me for a nice chunk. I got judgment against me reversed as well learning about this stuff. I found they lied and said they served me in person and I had proof that was impossible. The firm sent in the paperwork to the court to have it reversed because I told them they committed perjury not me and I’d be happy to have them tried for it. 😂

Not all debt collection agencies buy their debt. Many companies are just contracted with the creditor to collect the unpaid debts. And verification of the debt is always available, the agency just has to send a copy of the original invoice. People are always trying stupid crap to get out of paying their debts.

Great advice

It is true, that there is generally a 30 day (plus a “reasonable” mailing delivery window) “validation window”, in which a debt can dispute and request that a debt be validated… During which time, the agency is required to cease collection activity until the debt is validated.. However, if they can provide itemization of services rendered (in medical bill instances) then they are required to mail you that and the 30 day window restarts from that day… On day 31, if they have validated the debt and it is still unpaid, the debtor may be subject to general collection activity, such as impacts to credit and/or being pursued through the court system… A lot of collection activity and what agencies do to recover owed money, depends on the state… The above mentioned about the validation window is a federal law, however

If your income is Social Security or other retirement income, that income is protected from garnishment. The HELPS Legal Service for Seniors provides low cost (or no cost) service to stop debt collectors from contacting you, they act as your representative to stop harassment.

The key lesson here: never rush to pay a debt without proper verification. Documentation matters.

You're given an initial dunning letter giving you 30 days to dispute the debt. If she did this for 15 years she would know this. People will believe anything.

This is correct. I had a debt collector tell me “Oh honey if it was referred to us, it’s legit.” I said well, shouldn’t be a problem proving it then. Discharged.

Especially when it’s a doctor bill you’ve never seen before from a doctor you’ve never heard of.

@derekmoran_ If a debt collector calls me I say I do not have any contract with you therefore if you want to talk to me I will need your credit card it's $100 a minute

I have had one tell me to shut up. When I asked a question. Person done that 3 times. Told them take me to court. And show me proof. Never heard back.

My son tried this. Had proof that the debt collector did not have any paper work to support what they were doing. Hired an attorney to get out of it, didn’t hear from attorney after being promised that he was ok. Found out attorney took a lump payment from the debt collection companies representatives and stopped all contact with my son. Ended up having to pay back the bullshit collection anyway.

I had one from a bill that never reached me and went into collections from a doctor's office for $40. I asked that question and for a copy of the original bill to which they did not have. I asked how I could make the payment and then reported them to the respective state AG.