Really? hmmm...here is the post that proves you did.

Posted by SunkissedBeach (67.69.202.33) on January 04, 2004 at 16:45:57:

In Reply to: I am TLEE posted by Drew on January 04, 2004 at 13:37:21:

"I have never, never given advice on how to collect a debt."

Have you recorded the amount on his credit report? Everyone needs credit sooner or later. He may be going overseas, but he is going to need someday within the next seven years to buy a car, to do something. There are also international collection agencies that are licensed to operate overseas as well and know the laws in that state. Just because someone moves overseas does not mean that you cannot collect a debt. You just need to find an attorney in his district that will take the case and who you can then transfer back the judgment to the United States.

If you plan on staying in business, you will have to find someway that is reasonable to collect your accounts recievable. If you don't have the means and resources to maintain your own in-house collection department, then you will have to outsource. If you don't, the bad debts will put you out of business.

If you are looking for good collection agencies, I would suggest you do some research. I know you probably are opposed to consumer lists and advocacy groups, but often if you want to know which collection agencies and groups to avoid, look at these sites. Collection agencies do not get on those lists by accidents. Around every military base, JAG has a list of businesses (local and national) and companies that it advises its soldiers through their chain of command to avoid at all costs. These businesses have earned their reputations as being crooked, dirtbags, liars, and thieves who regularly prey on consumers and especially military. In order to get on those lists, you have to have hundreds of complaints. Look at these consumer advocate lists and make note of which collection agencies to avoid hiring. All of these on the list regulary break the law. INstead go to the Collection agency creditation and try to get feedback on the collection agencys that have a proven track record.

Also as a business owner and original creditor, you have the power to set up and establish contract rules and rules of conduct with the collection agencies. You have the power in your contract to establish what you will tolerate and what you won't. It may take work in getting the right one, but it is worth it in your case to do so.

If I was a private business owner, I would outsource collections to another company. Don't want to do it myself. I would also stipulate in the contract that if they broke FDCP rules, that you reserve the right to countersue the agency for your losses incurred as a result of any lawsuit you might incur. You might also stipulate that it will terminate the contract. You as the original creditor will have more power than you think, because you own the debt, you hire them, and you can specify that there are certain things you will not tolerate.

What I am surprised is that you didn't turn around and sue the collection agency for damages. Not only did you lose the account but you had to settle out of court for their illegal actions. YOu could also have named the collector in that suit as well, and collected your costs from the big mouth who was abusing the consumer.

That is my opinion as a consumer.

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