Jul 18, 2012
The woman who called me asked for my maiden name, I said "Well that is kind of me. That is my old name." She said "So are you Lindsy (Maiden Name) or someone else?" I said "That WAS my name, it is not any longer"
She then says "Well I'm calling from (company) about a bill for $700 and I was wondering if you would like to make some attempt at payment now?" I informed her that I was not working at the time and that my husband just went back to work after being laid off and that I could not pay on it at this time. (Not denying the debt, yes it was mine but I have no job!) She remarks rudely "Well, I'll have to mark that as a refusal and that amount will probably triple, I'll be reporting to ALL 3 credit agencies!" I said "Ok, if you have to. There is no way I can pay I'm sorry" (This is the kicker) She says "You seem AWFUL young to not be worried about your credit " I said "There is NOTHING I can do! I'm so-" and I got hung up on.
So, I called back. The operator who answered was the same girl who just called me so I asked for a supervisor. I told him the conversation, said "I just think it was terribly rude, there is nothing I can do" He replies "Well, everything she said was right. I'll listen to the call and mark your record that you called in"
RUDENESS! I NEVER said "That debt isn't mine" I just simply stated that I didn't have $700 extra dollars laying around and there was nothing I could do. I even apologized for it! Haven't they heard "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar"? I had a similar call about 6 months ago. They said "Pay us when you can, here is our information" They will be getting paid at tax time, they were understanding and pleasant and realized in THIS economy they are lucky they are getting paid at all.