We realize that you need to repossess that 2000 Ford Focus, but it’s just not necessary to punch a woman in the face in front of her 5 year-old daughter. The woman, Sara Bradley, 25, was was sitting in her car when a debt collector trying to repossess the vehicle attacked her, grabbing her necklace and punching her in the face, according to the Boston Globe.
debt collectors
Let Judge Judy Take Care Of Debt Collectors
Is this a good method for dealing with harassing debt collectors? We have no idea. Did it amuse us? Yep. —MEGHANN MARCO
![The Pith And Vinegar Of Quippy Debt Collectors](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/collectorphone.jpg?w=150&h=113&crop=1)
The Pith And Vinegar Of Quippy Debt Collectors
Here are some bon mots uttered by real debt collectors the My Credit Group credit repair service has collected from their clients’ stories.
![Make Debt Collectors Prove They Own What They Say You Owe](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/evidence.jpg?w=200&h=151&crop=1)
Make Debt Collectors Prove They Own What They Say You Owe
We’ve mentioned how if you’re being pursued by a debt collector, you need to make them prove that you owe the debt. Alabama Consumer Law Blog notes the other half, that you need to make them prove that it is they they actually own the debt, what is called having “standing.”
![Debt Collectors Use Pocket Service Laws For No-Courts-Required, Insta-Garnishment!](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/salmongarnish.jpg?w=200&h=154&crop=1)
Debt Collectors Use Pocket Service Laws For No-Courts-Required, Insta-Garnishment!
In Minnesota, debt collectors can send a garnishment request directly to your bank and start snatching your dollars without even having through a court of a law.
![Things Debt Collectors Can't Do](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/twotone.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
Things Debt Collectors Can't Do
Seattle P-I has a good article about what debt collectors can and can’t do. For instance, they can’t:
![Loanshark & Debt Collector Horror Show Roundup](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/loanshark.jpg?w=150&h=182&crop=1)
Loanshark & Debt Collector Horror Show Roundup
“I make threats of arrest, property seizure, wage garnishment, and sometimes (usually if it’s a woman) I will threaten bodily harm if there is no payment….”
![Debt Collectors Gone Wild](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/debtcollectorvile.jpg?w=150&h=113&crop=1)
Debt Collectors Gone Wild
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.
![I.R.S. Employ Of Private Debt Collectors Criticized](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/irssmile150.jpg?w=150&h=214&crop=1)
I.R.S. Employ Of Private Debt Collectors Criticized
The national taxpayer advocated yesterday asked congress to forbid the IRS from using private debt collectors.
“I Will Threaten Bodily Harm,” A Loan Shark’s Confession
There’s debt collectors, and there’s loan sharks.
Blogobitchin!
• This guy was way ahead on the milk is especially fantastic bandwagon. [Bunnyspatial]
![Cingular Sics Debt Collectors On Innocent Customer](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/cingularbandit1001.jpg?w=100&h=101&crop=1)
Cingular Sics Debt Collectors On Innocent Customer
An AT&T customer, Chris upgraded his plan after the merger with Cinuglar. A week later, Cingular sent him a bill for $300, an “early termination fee.” Welcome to the neighborhood, indeed.
![Dealing With Abusive Debt Collectors By Phone](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/womanwithbillstiny.jpg?w=100&h=126&crop=1)
Dealing With Abusive Debt Collectors By Phone
When debt collectors violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:
![Pay Up, Deadbeat](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/womanwithbills.jpg?w=150&h=189&crop=1)
Pay Up, Deadbeat
Back when we were being stalked by debt collectors, our only recourse to their insistent demands was ripping up their letters and living on the top floor of a three-story building accessible only by a locked steel door. It turns out that debtors actually have rights and collection agents, limits. Neat.
![UPDATE: Acquiesce to the Zombie Debt Collectors](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/zetazombie1.jpg?w=200&h=120&crop=1)
UPDATE: Acquiesce to the Zombie Debt Collectors
Relevant to our earlier post about Chris getting call after call from his debt collectors and wanting to stop their zombie madness, and T-Mobile and Catherine Zeta Jones’ inability to do anything about it, reader Erik found the Federal “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act” from Title 15 of the United States Code.
![Acquiesce to the Zombie Debt Collectors](../../../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/zetazombie.jpg?w=200&h=120&crop=1)
Acquiesce to the Zombie Debt Collectors
Chris writes in a self-described rant about how a debt collection agency is constantly auto-dialing him on his cellphone. He called T-Mobile to see if there’s any, “selective call blocking, smoke signals, or death threats” he could deploy to stop the number from harassing him. Short answer: nope. Catherine Zeta Jones is powerless against zombies.