The Cesspool That Is Debt Collection

Remember yesterday, we were discussing the ethics of debt collectors at the bedside in hospitals? Yeah, turns out debt collecting companies aren’t very honest. They may be one step above payday loan companies.As ABC News reports on the lengths and lies that debt collecting companies will go to in the quest to collect imaginary money.

Two years ago, a debt collector with a company called Reliant Financial Associates, or RFA, left a message implying that her house was in jeopardy if she didn’t pay a debt. The message stated:

“I’m calling in regards to a preliminary asset liability investigation. They are in the process of serving some court documents in regards to case 29369… They have some information now pending questions at the property,… Springdale Avenue, in Wheeling, West Virginia. It is in your best interests to contact the department. You are required to contact 866-764-9779.”

It is illegal for debt collectors to make empty threats about serving people with a lawsuit or seizing their home. And it was especially galling to Mey, who says she is debt-free.

“They threatened to take legal action against our property and it wasn’t even our debt,” Mey said.