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Expert: Michael Brotherton - 6/30/2007


Question
Have you run into cases where a creditor used multiple debrt collectors, for the same account/debt, for example, one each month for 3 or 4 straight months, and the debtor responding to each one within 30 days requesting validation and dease communications, with no action/response or communications from the collectors until the very end when the consumer stops answering the 'last' collector within 30 days thinking it was overlap and now this 'last' collector says oh, you didn't answer within 30 days and thus we had a right to 'forever'/continue to contact you.?

Answer
It is not uncommon for some creditors to use this "shotgun" approach to collect their money. Take your pick if you want to pay them or make arrangements directly with the original creditor. They may refer you to one of their collection agencies. Write them a letter letting them know how much you can pay monthly or offer them a lump sum settlement. DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THEM BY PHONE. They will only try to intimidate you. Screen calls if necessary. If they continue to call after you send the letter file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

You can stop communication by phone by sending a "Cease and Desist" letter by certified mail, return receipt requested to all of them.

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Michael Brotherton

Expertise

Consumer/Debtor Rights Advocate. Mike Brotherton is a negotiator with over 30 years experience in consumer lending and collections. Mike has 30 years in the credit and collections industry as a former loan officer, debt collector and manager of two finance companies over several years. Mike is well versed in Loss Mitigation practices and the legal collection process. He has helped literally thousands of people over many years overcome serious financial problems such as foreclosure, creditor lawsuits and abuse by debt collectors. For more information about resolving your "financial emergency" visit www.financialemergency.com. FinancialEmergency.com is a consumer web site which actively promotes Fair Debt Collection Practices and other consumer protection laws. We teach DEBTOR RIGHTS and enforcement of those rights. The more informed you are of your rights and the credit collections practices of creditors the more peace you can have dealing with your FINANCIAL EMERGENCY. Most financial problems are fairly common and as such have some very common solutions. The key is understanding your rights in the collection process and how to enforce them if need be. Primary business- Debtor Rights Advocacy and Debt Mitigation relating to foreclosure, creditor lawsuits, and other serious financial problems. www.financialemergency.com (copy and paste in browser).

Experience

Over 40 years combined experience negotiating disputes and resolving financial issues related to consumer debt, corporate issues and mortgage modifications.

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