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What is a collection company?

The two most likely scenarios are.

Some creditors will attempt to fool a debtor by using a separate company name, address, and phone number for their internal collection departments, in order to give the impression of an “outside” agency. This strategy is should only be used when the debt is recent (under six months past due.)

However, most debt collection activity is performed by a third-party collection company, These are separate from the original creditors, and “work” bad debt on behalf of various lenders and 1st party credit granters. They occasionally purchase bad debts which have been designated as charge-offs or write-off’s by the original creditor.

This article will spotlight 3rd party collection companies

How does a collection company get paid?

3rd party debt collection companies often work on 100% commission, where they only get paid when they recover funds. Collectors are usually paid a small hourly wage plus commissions and/or bonus based on results.

Many collection companies purchase substantial debt portfolios of charged-off accounts for a fraction of the total face amount (total amount outstanding) After a portfolio is sold off, the debtors now owe the entire amount to the purchasing company. The probability of collecting money decreases substantially over time, an agency might only pay 1% - 5% of face value. The agencies’ profits come from the difference between the purchase price and the amounts that are hopefully collected.

How does the collection company work?

The primary tools of a collection company are letters and telephone calls.

What are the dunning notices like?

The dunning letters are usually computer-generated. They are often in a standardized series which starts with a simple, “reminder” tone, and may buildup to a final demand. The letters are pre-written and sent to many debtors; they are not personal.

The first letter must state that the recipient has the right to dispute the validity of the debt (in writing), and the agency must send some confirmation after verifying it with the original creditor. Collection letters must also contain the statement that they come from a debt collector, and that any information gathered will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. Collectors are legally prohibited from printing anything on the outside of the envelope which indicates or suggests the nature of the communication. Even the return address must be discreet, so many agencies will just use their company’s initials, or some other nondescript name.

The debtor’s reaction to the letters will affect which letters the agency will select from its repertoire. Cooperation (e.g. making payment arrangements and/or partial payments) may result in letters with a gentler tone. Evasive or hostile reactions from the debtor may result in a more threatening tone.

Collectors attempt to create a sense of urgency, to try and collect the debt within the shortest amount of time. This hopefully will encourage the debtor to prioritize that particular obligation. Deadlines may be set, such as, Pay this amount within 10 days. There may also be threats, such as, …Or we will proceed with further collection attempts. But most of the time, if a debtor fails to meet the deadline, all that will happen is that yet another dunning letter will arrive, making the same basic demand. The & further collection action usually just means more dunning letters.

Collection letters will always coax the debtor to call the collection company directly via the telephone. If the debtor doesn’t call within thirty days, then a collector will usually attempt to contact the debtor again.

What are the phone calls like?

Individual telephone collectors may be assigned a group of accounts, and spend their entire workday, every day, calling them. Their enthusiasm is fueled by frequent performance evaluations and personal commission payments. The size of a collector’s own paycheck is dependent upon how much money s/he extracts from debtors. Between that factor, and the relentless confrontations, this is a very high-stress job, with high employee turnover.

If a debt collector calls and reaches someone other than the debtor (e.g. a friend), s/he is legally prohibited from disclosing That this is an attempt to collect a debt. Every state is different but this may or may not include the debtor’s spouse. If the collector reaches an answering machine or voice mail, s/he will often leave a FDCPA approved message, but is prohibited from giving details for the call, since someone besides the debtor might hear it. The basic message goes something like, “I am calling for Jane Doe. It is very important that you call me back. My name is JR Rooney, and my number is 1-631-776-8109.” S/he will typically sound rather unemotional and stiff. Collection companies may be required to provide a phone number which is free for the debtor to call. They also may attach their toll free numbers to caller ID equipment which instantly identifies and logs the phone number the debtor is calling from, in order to call the debtor at that number at a later date.

When contacting a debtor, many collectors (especially those with very little experience) will use an approved script, which contains a pre-written introduction, demands for payment, and has various branches to follow. Based on how the debtor responds, rebuttals are also provided. If a particular debtor is wasting too much time, without agreeing to pay, the collector will be urged to move on to other accounts.

Any information obtained will be used for collection purposes. If the debtor gives information about his/her financial situation (e.g. income or current employment, etc.) it will be recorded on the debtors permanent record and used to estimate the probability of a successful collection and/or the advantage of legal action, and so forth.

Can the collection company actually do anything?

If they are working the debt on commission, they can send some more form letters and make some more scripted phone calls.

They can also mark the item as negative with the credit bureaus. If they are working on contingency, they can recommend filing suit, or if they own the account, they can file suit. However, the actual chances or intentions of this are often significantly less than they try to suggest to the debtor.

Collection companies can not legally seize a debtor’s assets, bank accounts, or paycheck unless there has already been a successful lawsuit with a judgment awarded to them.

Collection companies can not legally make any kind of public announcements or disclosures concerning the debt, except to the credit bureaus.

Collection companies can not legally get a debtor fired from his/her job.

Collection companies can not legally engage in any type of physical violence or threats to collect.

Why does the debtor pay?

Many times the reasons include fear, guilt, intimidation, and a lack of understanding of the legal remedies available. Plus it is the right thing to do.

The debtor may feel guilty and ashamed of being a “deadbeat,” and may perceive a judgment of his/her value as a person.

The debtor may have greatly exaggerated ideas about what collectors are (legally) capable of doing, and may have outdated stereotypes in mind.

The debtor may be overwhelmed by the aggressive and relentless demands, from companies that may seem so powerful. S/he may take it personally, and assume that great individual attention is being given to this particular collection file.

Consumers being contacted by collection companies are typically in serious financial difficulty, and under emotional stress about the general situation, so they may be confused and vulnerable.

Many debtors aren’t aware of their legal rights, and feel powerless.

There are two basic things that a collection company can actually do that a debtor should be concerned about. These involve negative info being reported to the credit bureaus, and the unlikely possibility of a lawsuit.

What about credit reports?

Third-party collection companies may report a debt to one or more of the credit bureaus, as a “Collection Account,” including the amount, and whether it was paid or not. Paying off a collection account will not result in the item being removed from the consumer’s credit reports - it will simply be marked “Paid.” Agencies can report both debts that they have bought, and also debts that they are working on behalf of the actual creditor.

Also, a collection company may request a debtor’s credit file, in order to get an idea of his/her general financial situation, and to get an updated address and phone number.

How long do collection accounts last?

Collection accounts are subject to the normal seven-year time limit for appearing on credit reports. As specified in Section 605 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, this time limit is based on the date of the original delinquency.

What are the chances of a lawsuit?

If the debt was placed on contingency, the 3rd party collection company cannot file a lawsuit. If the balance is large enough and the debtor is being resistant and if there are indications that the debtor has vulnerable assets, the agency may send the account back to the creditor with a recommendation to file suit. Every creditor has its own criteria for the final decision; for example, the amount must be substantial (often $1500 or more, at the very least.)

Collection companies tend to avoid sending too many accounts back, since it suggests that they aren’t very good at collecting. Also, letters and phone calls are much less expensive than going to court.

If an agency has bought a debt, then they have the ability to sue, but by that time, the debt is likely to be rather old, and the agency doesn’t have much invested in it.

Collectors tend to focus on fear and intimidation, since those things can work much more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently than legal action.

Suit is certainly brought against many debtors, but not as often as debtors think. There is a big difference between, “Pay up or we will continue with collection action,” compared to an actual Summons And Complaint.

If the debt is substantial and recent, and the debtor appears to be a good target (e.g. reasonable assets or income), a lawsuit is a real possibility. If you are served with legal documents specifying a particular court, hearing date, etc., you should see a qualified attorney immediately. That area is beyond the scope of this FAQ.

Who regulates collection companies?

The most important law is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which places many restrictions on collection activities. The FDCPA only covers 3rd party collection companies, not original creditors.

All the states have applicable laws regarding such things as telephone harassment.

Who enforces the FDCPA?

The Federal Trade Commission oversees the collections industry, and has the authority to impose fines or other penalties for violations. However, the FTC does not get involved with individual consumers’ cases. They accept a large number of complaints, and look for patterns of violations which could then lead to action against a particular collection company.

What if a collection company ownes the debt?

The agency then becomes the creditor for most purposes. The debtor will not be able to make any negotiations with the original creditor. The agency might be technically able to file a lawsuit against the debtor, (although this is not likely.)

However, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a Staff Opinion Letter which indicates that, even if a collection company has purchased a debt, it is still covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as a “third-party debt collector.”

What about the relevant time limits?

The debt does not become some kind of “new” debt just because of being sold. For example, the seven-year credit reporting time limit is still based on the original delinquency date with the original creditor. The statute of limitations for filing lawsuits is also based on that same date. These limits can not be legitimately “reset” by a collection company that has bought the debt.

However, the statute of limitations may possibly be reset if the debtor makes a specific promise to pay, or a partial payment.

Can the collection company do anything after the time limit expires?

Yes. The statute of limitations only covers the filing of lawsuits, and the credit reporting time limit only covers bureau listings. There is no time limit on letters and phone calls.

A collection company that has purchased a bundle of “out-of-statute” debts (where the SOL has already expired, or “run”) is hoping that, either the debtors will feel guilty, or that they won’t be aware of that “out-of-statute” status. But if a particular debtor makes it clear that s/he understands the legal situation, then the collectors are likely to give up and move on to easier targets.

Can collectors call the debtor’s place of employment?

Yes, but there are limitations. For example, they can not legally tell your employer about the debt, or try to have you fired.

Is there any way to make them stop calling?

Yes. According to section 805 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

“(c) CEASING COMMUNICATION. If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except –

(1) to advise the consumer that the debt collector’s further efforts are being terminated;

(2) to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or

(3) where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.

If such notice from the consumer is made by mail, notification shall be complete upon receipt.”

So the consumer can just send a 3rd party collection company a written notice (preferably citing the FDCPA), ordering them to stop the collection letters and calls, and the agency is legally obligated to comply. The only permissible contact thereafter is to notify the debtor of specific “remedies,” like legal action, but usually the collectors won’t even bother.

If the creditor hasn’t yet made a decision on whether or not to file a lawsuit, then that decision may be made at this point, rather than being delayed.

After a “cease and desist” notice from the consumer, the debt may then be returned to the original creditor, passed on to another third-party agency, or simply filed away, depending on the circumstances. The agency may still report the account to the credit bureaus.

From JR Rooney

Washington, D.C. – Charles Rangel (D-NY) stated during the introduction of his "Second Chance Act for Ex-Offenders of 2007" (HR 623) that federal law literally drives good people into prison because a federal ex-offender is never given a chance to show rehabilitation.

Rangel's bill provides that a one-time, non-violent offender who has completed all provisions of his sentence, a year of community service and who possesses a proven record of no alcohol or drug dependence is allowed to present a case to the federal sentencing judge asking for an expungement of the criminal conviction for non-law enforcement purposes. In other words, the conviction is still known to law enforcement but the expungement gives the ex-offender a second chance to reclaim their life.

Additionally, if the ex-offender is ever convicted of any subsequent state or federal offense the benefit is negated and the prior conviction record can enhance any subsequent sentence as though the expungement never happened.

Practically all states have a procedure that allows ex-offenders to seek re-entry to society through their good works and continued civility.* Some states even allow a federal conviction to come within its curative statutes.

The federal government has no such framework and federal ex-offenders are perpetually doomed to being in a sub-caste of humanity that, according to Rangel, is perpetually denied educational, housing and social benefits otherwise available to all.

One group, The Rehabilitated Project (www.rehabilitated.org) is working to ensure passage of HR 623. Congressman Rangel stated, "I commend the Rehabilitated Project and thank you for building a coalition of supporters for H. R. 623, The Second Chance Act of 2007." He added, "I thank you for marshalling the voice of the American people on this critical issue. Giving ex-offenders a `Second Chance' is in line with our demand that all individuals strive to find ways to cultivate themselves into productive members of our society."

He added, "The reality is at present, upon release, there are limited prospects for persons with criminal records. Each time they acknowledge their criminal pasts when completing job applications, they are likely to be turned away. `Second Chance' would remove this huge barrier and lower rates of recidivism by offering these individuals real opportunities for gaining legitimate employment."

It is thus easy to see why there is such a high recidivism rate in the United States. Yet, there is no relief valve under federal law to allow re-entry into society even after years of civility and continued good works by the ex-offender. Not even a presidential pardon!

Pardons have been issued so stingily over the last 20 years that under the current administration only 19, on average, are given yearly. Were the same rate maintained as during the 1920's and 1930's, over a thousand federal ex-offenders would receive presidential acts of clemency each year.

So, what HR 623 is attempting to do is simply level the playing field between state and federal ex-offenders and others whose wrongdoing is known, but for one reason or another, have not been criminally charged as is commonly afforded to illegal aliens seeking entry to this country.

Nationwide every year thousands of licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, real estate brokers and the like, are brought before their licensing board for one wrongful deed, or another. Many times this wrongdoing passes the threshold of criminality; yet, due to circumstances and the fact that our criminal justice system is overcrowded, criminal charges are simply not brought."

The power to approve continued licensing, despite wrongdoing, was delegated to these boards under legislative schemes such as the California Administrative Procedures Act. This act originally was just a copy of the federal Administrative Procedures Act. What the federal act did was to relieve elected officials in the 1880's, and since, of the need to run the day-to-day affairs of the varied and many agencies which then were being first created and which had become so numerous as to be unmanageable by the elected officials alone.

As an example, some agencies in California have even codified exactly what steps and conduct need to be shown in order to be declared "rehabilitated" sufficiently to continue with the licensed activity, including religious or voluntary community-based services. Every state in the Union has similar acts allowing professionals guilty of wrongdoing to be administratively chastised, yet continue to practice under terms and conditions set by the licensing agency.
HR 623 does exactly the same thing. It simply relieves the White House of having to concern itself with its opinion poll rating for being "soft on crime" until the end of a term, which is certainly not fair and it is certainly not just. Additionally, it will relieve the executive office the shame and embarrassment of highly-publicized mass pardons that have occurred at the very midnight hour of some administrations.

Rangel's bill puts the duty of determining whether an ex-offender deserves to be re-admitted into society into the hands of federal judges who are by education, experience and calling eminently qualified to make judgments about who has proven, or not, their case; that is, after all, what they do every day. It also lays claim to the proposition that if the forgiven person, this person who is being given a Second Chance, errs again through willful wrongdoing all of clemency allowed by HR 623 will immediately disappear.

Congressman Rangel summed it all up when he said, "In this Congress, together we can actively work to remove this barrier to employment and give these individuals hope instead of limiting their aspirations to careers in crime."

The Western Capital Foundation

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Welcome to Western Capital - How May We Assist You?

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

What is a collection company? Posted by Robert Paisola

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Robert Paisola Named Innagural Member of Uplej.com

Saturday, May 26, 2007

A Federal Criminal Conviction – The Gift That Keeps On Giving

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