I wouldn't even bother to attempt to settle it for 1 cent. Just ignore them and do not talk to them. They will get the message eventually.

As I stated a few times in this forum, collection agencies constantly dig up prehistoric debts like the one you have and try their luck to see if they can get anything out of it. The fact is that the creditor gave up their right to sue you within 2 years from the date of last activity and it was their decision. This debt does not show up in your credit report nor it is retrievable through legal actions. Just be fiscally responsible and do not make the same mistake again.

The pipeda letter that I sent you today came from Ottawa Chap and he used successfully a few times.

That is an interesting response. I even have my own auto-dialer. I can't see having any credit problems but if the ETR issue comes back I might try that.

The Chap is back lol.

"If you don't get upset, annoyed, and show complete indifference with a hint of mocking they realize they are wasting their time and will stop calling. "

That's typically when they start with those ohh so pleasent auto-dialers. 705, if you find yourself if that position, ship 'em out a Cease and Desist letter. I had a few agencies ignore that letter at first, but then I showed them two could play the telephone annoyance game, too.. For every call I received, they received a minimum of three. And I'd ring 'em up just to shoot the breeze; or ask them questions pertaining to I/T security. It didn't take long before I found the game rather fun. The I/T text books I'm going through right now are a minimum of 1000 pages thick, so hammering on a collector provided a nice break in the day.

O.C.

There are basically two types of individuals who end up working at collection agencies -- people who are recent to the country and have no other options and people who get enjoyment out of trying to bully others usually because they are unhappy in their own life and powerless. Anyone else who tries it doesn't last very long.

As much as I think what collection agencies do is immoral and wrong the employment is commission based -- both for the company and for the employee who is calling. Being an as***le is more effective than treating people with respect. To make enough money to make the job almost worth doing you need to be rude and abusive.

A good strategy is to not let them upset you -- especially if you know that they have no power. I'd be very nice but just not interested in talking about the debt. If they are upsetting you then they know you want this to stop so if they just annoy you enough you might pay to make it stop. If you don't get upset, annoyed, and show complete indifference with a hint of mocking they realize they are wasting their time and will stop calling.

This shows that collection agencies are getting desperate for money or the bill collectors fear they might lose their job if they don't bring in the money. I would also put the heat on the creditor you owe the money to because the collection agency is working on their behalf. I had a situation like this with a collection agency and when the creditor found out the calls stopped and I received a letter of apology and also the debt was settled for 10%.

oh I am...they are already in trouble cause the guy I'm seeing is sending a letter from his lawyer today as they called and harrassed and also looked up his credit and had no means...they knew about his house, his credit cards EVERYTHING even his ex girlfriends name....they are obviously desperate now.

They won't sue you. They can't win so a waste of $150 plus the cost of filing for them.

Still you need to be aware just in case they do. A collection agency can try to sue on a state barred debt hoping the individual will not respond and then they can move for a default judgment. That can be reversed but it is a pain to fix.

What they are doing is illegal. I would document everything.

I think they wanted to see if pay roll will just garnish my wages without going to court?? Human Resources contacting me and said they wont do that without a court order but than of course Contact resource services contacted me agian I think they thought I would cave after the fight last night but I didnt and so they said they will take me to court than and the court date will be as soon as tomorrow? I knew that part wasnt true but was curious on how soon they can be. By that time I will have everything put in order once I get all my stuff from Equifax and Trans Union. Ha ha ha they even said they are going to contact my landlord... what the hell is he going to do? Im assuming that they are just trying to scare me.... since this debt is past 6 years now. I said that to them and they argued the fact stating I knew about the debt....I of course said ya I knew about it when you called me.....I told them to make sure they bring in last nights recording too to the court and the other ones where she's harrassing my co workers and brief confidentiality...she hung up on me and said see you court!