20/20 conducted a three-month investigation into the wacky world of debt collectors and what they found will revolt you. They’ve got several recordings and transcripts up.

“Collector: You’re so ignorant. Ignorant. You need to go back to Mexico.
Consumer: OK, ma’am.
Collector: Haha! Watch me big boy. Watch me. “

Listen to this heinous call (part 1, part 2) and read the transcript inside.

This is why consumers need to be aware of their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Act. Some debt collectors will use illegal and abusive tactics if they think you don’t know what parts of the law are on your side.

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Collector: Are you ashamed of your name? Your parents gave it to you. Are you ashamed of it?

Consumer: Mmm, maybe so, but…

Collector: Probably so, probably so, probably so.

Consumer: OK. Yeah. Well, when he gets home, I will give him the message.

Collector: Hmm, hmm. Yeah. Just let him know I need him to call me now. What part of this don’t you understand? Call him now!

Consumer: OK. Like I said, as soon as he gets home, I will give it to him.

Collector: Call him now.

Consumer: Do you understand what I just said?

Collector: Do you not understand?

Consumer: Uh, like I said, when he gets home, I’ll…

Collector: OK. Gues what you just caused to happen? Good luck to you, good luck to you. Good luck to him. And next time, stay off the phone. Put an adult on there. Put an adult on the telephone. Babies shouldn’t play with the phone; it’s against the policy.

Collector: Are you too dense to understand what I’m saying to you?

Consumer: No, it’s just…

Collector: Do you not understand? Is there someone else there that’s got some intelligence that I can talk to?

Consumer: No, not right now.

Collector: You need to go get the next-door neighbor and put him on the phone with somebody I can talk to, someone that understands.

Consumer: Well, he comes back at about 7.

Collector: No, you need to understand what you’re saying. Go get the next-door neighbor and let me explain to them. Obviously you don’t have a head for business.

Consumer: No I can’t do that, ma’am.

Collector: Then I’m gonna call the neighbor and go knock on the door and ask for them. I’ll get in touch with your neighbor to come knock on the door and see if they can’t get him up. If you don’t want to do what’s right, then guess what? You just got him sued in the court of law.

Consumer: OK, ma’am.

Collector: You’re so ignorant. Ignorant. You need to go back to Mexico.

Consumer: OK, ma’am.

Collector: Haha! Watch me big boy. Watch me.

— BEN POPKEN

Debt Collectors Gone Wild [ABC News]

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