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klovesj110603 · Jul 27, 2007, 02:24 PM

Hi I owe a bill in Texas for $1,800 I have lost my job and I have no way of paying at this time. A bill colletor called me and told me I had to pay 700 up front and that if not I would be taken to court. I talked to a few people and they said I should try to offer them a small amount each month until I get a job and back on my feet. I called the place back and offerd 20 dollars a month until I was able to pay more. She told me it was not enough and I would go to court and might go to jail and then hung up in my face. Why do they think a person with no income can pay that much money? I don't want it hanging over my head but right now I can't help but pay a little at a time. Can I really go to jail for a dedt and why can they refuse a payment I mean 20 is better than nothing at all. Thank u help.:confused:

Kimberly66 · Jul 27, 2007, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by klovesj110603

Hi I owe a bill in texas for $1,800 i have lost my job and i have no way of paying at this time. A bill colletor called me and told me i had to pay 700 up front and that if not i would be taken to court. I talked to a few people and they said i should try to offer them a small amount each month until i get a job and back on my feet. I called the place back and offerd 20 dollars a month until i was able to pay more. She told me it was not enough and i would go to court and might go to jail and then hung up in my face. Why do they think a person with no income can pay that much money? I dont want it hanging over my head but right now i can't help but pay a little at a time. Can i really go to jail for a dedt and why can they refuse a payment i mean 20 is better than nothing at all. thank u help.:confused:

I worked for a debt collection place in Missouri ( I hated it!)- it is all scare tactics- I'm not sure about Texas... which when I worked for them, I was told you couldn't be sued for debts in Texas-do not get upset over debt collectors... they can't put a judgement against you, or take you to jail-- the collection process is long and drawn out. I used to collect for Bank of America- they told us to be ruthless to get their money- we could threaten everything to get people to pay. You actually have 7 years to pay off the debt. If one company can't get the money out of you after a length of time usually `120 days- it goes back to the creditor and they have the right to seek judgements or such or they can try another debt collection agency to see if they can get the money.
You need to get the address and all info- (acct number they are calling you about and WRITE a note telling them to stop contacting you - it has to be in writing- just because you tell them on the phone to quit calling - they don't have too- put it in writing and they have too cause it's considered harassment. You do not have to be harassed!
Be polite as possible- they are wanting you to get mad.. they LOVE it when you get mad and argue. They are taping your conversation and making notes on everything you say in a computer. Collectors make a commission when you pay- contact the original company you owed the debt to- try to settle with them.
And, by the way, they will take smaller payments! Good Luck!

ScottGem · Jul 27, 2007, 05:45 PM

Debtor's prison ceased to exist ib the 19th century. So, no, they cannotr put you in jail. The can however, sue you and get a judgement against you. Texas does not permit garnishment of salary for unsecured debt but they can attach bank accounts.

ScottGem · Jul 27, 2007, 06:20 PM

Please don't ask questions via PM.

As Kim said collectors use scare tactics.They will tell you anything to intimidate you into paying. Read other threads in this forum for lor=ts of people with similar issues.

excon · Jul 28, 2007, 10:05 AM

Hello k:

IF you can prove they threatened you with jail, you can file a complaint with the FTC and they can be fined $1,000 a day for every day they continue to violate the law. That law being, "The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act".

excon

s_cianci · Jul 31, 2007, 08:45 AM

They can refuse any offer they want. It might not be wise for them to do so, but they can nevertheless. And no, you won't go to jail over it. Put your settlement offer in writing and submit it to them one last time. Keep a copy for yourself. Make sure to mention how disturbed you are that the person your spoke to treated you so rudely and threatened you with jail.