Question:
I received a call from a collection agency saying that I owe money my
previous insurance company $280 from a previous policy. This is from 2 years
ago, where they sent me a refund check but now realized that they sent it to
me by mistake so they want the money back. They're the ones who had told me
that I had overpayed!! In 2 years, they never contacted me whatsoever!?.
Now this collection agency is calling me, but the lady won't tell me her
name.. she just wants the $$$ or they try to make me believe that they're
going to sue. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't they need proof that I owe
this money and don't they need to send me a written notice? I'm wondering
what kind of assholes they think they are with their bullying tactics? Now
of course, I can just see them screwing with my credit report just because
they think they're the mafia.
Now I don't really give a shit about $280.. however, I do have a problem
with paying it because I feel it's an admission of guilt. I never received a
bill for this amount, why should I pay - I'm innocent! Once I get a bill
from the original creditor, then I will happily pay. On the other hand, if
these assholes can screw up my credit rating, should I just pay it and get
on with my life? $280 does not seem worth 7 years of bad credit.. however,
I'm wondering even if I do pay.. they'll probably still give me a bad
rating.
Here's another prime example of coorperations taking advantage of people.
Collection agencies should be better regulated by the goverment in my
opinion.
Answer:
Ontario has a "Collection Agencies Act".
The regulations forbid collection agencies from:
- trying to collect a debt without first notifying the debtor in writing, at
the debtor's last known address.
- recommending or initiating legal or court action on the collection of a
debt without first notifying the debtor and obtaining the creditor's written
permission.
- making telephone or personal calls of such a nature or frequency to
constitute harrassment of the debtor or the debtor's family.
And on and on it goes.
