Expert: Chris Ebert - 9/24/2010

Question
I owe a couple of establishments. They've started to call me.  I expected that.  However, now both of them have automated systems as well as people calling me MANY times a day, at home and on my cell phone (in fact, my home number rings through to my cell phone).  They call me twice, sometimes three or four times in an hour (one right after the other) and do this every few hours throughout the day.  It's like my phone is just ringing off the hook constantly and it's highly bothersome.  I can't turn off the cell because I'm out and about often and I need a way for my family to get a hold of me.  The calls interrupts my conversations with people often.  I haven't yet spoken with these people or sent a letter telling them to stop but I will.  I've dealt with them before and they're very nasty people, argumentative and insisting they can do whatever they want when it comes to contacting me because I owe them money.   Some even just hang up on me if I start to stand up for myself. I'm in a tough spot, financially and am working on it.  It's frustrating to note that the second I fall behind with the a creditor, they're instantly right on top to bully me and harass me but when they fall behind on me, they can take forever to get around to making things right and they just laugh me off when I complain and there's nothing I can do about it.  I'm so SICK of how huge corporations have taken control of our country and our lives.  Sorry for the rant.

Answer
Michael,

You can send them a cease and desist letter to stop them from calling and to get them to start writing. Now if the debt is within statute of limitations they may have the right to still file a lawsuit to recover the moneys allegedly owed. Send it certified mail to each creditor.

The letter is at:
http://www.henleycreditlaw.com/pdf/letterC.pdf

Chris Ebert
http://www.henleycreditlaw.com