Make sure that each and every one check this website out - http://activerain.com/blogsview/446030/Spring-cleaning-your-debt and get the best out of this article.

Thanks for the compliments.

Just FYI,

Money advice is helping me out... he's helping keep the forums fresh and with some new topics and links.

I am really happy to see "KYMFROMAB " in this forum and i wish him all the best .Please feel free to post any queries related to relevant topics in this forum and experts like montyloree and team will clear them without fail.

done

Look you guys, I suppose the lady could do all those things but she's got much, much, much bigger things to worry about right now. Can't you see she's getting maxed out and close to a nervous breakdown. Usually, when a collector on the other end of the line smells that, it's like a shark or piranna smelling blood -it only serves to send them into a deeper feeding frenzy.

That's why my solution considered the totality of the person in their situation. For her, the best thing is to tell the bloodsuckers to f___ off. A person that has a greater emotional and vitality reserve left can afford to do things that a worn out person on the edge can't. Besides, the lady can't afford any more money right now and if she wants to pay them when and if things get better she can. In the interim, no one is going to sue her over a miserable 190 bucks.

Ray

Hey angella,
Good to see you back here..!!

LadyIsis...
Don't be shy to call Consumer Protection...
As angella mentioned the Fair Trading Act covers alot of these consumer issues.

Consumer Protections deals with these issues day in an day out. As you well indicated, you don't have to get all upset when a collector calls... especially if you can quickly get the facts in place.

mm... never dealt with NCO, but the first time I received a phone call like that it had me going too.

You mentioned moving? Was that within Alberta or from a different province?

They have violated so many terms of the Alberta Fair Trading act that it would probably be quicker to tell you the ones they haven't violated. I agree with Raymond... you have nothing to worry about here.

I would add that you tell them you have requested a bill and they are required, by the Fair Trading Act, to send it before calling you again... then hang up. Don't let them harass you. If the challenge it, suggest they obtain a copy of the act and read it for themselves. If you can say that with a hint of a giggle in your voice - or a mocking tone - so much the better

Keep records and record phone calls.

When your husband pays Starchoice, make sure he keeps proof of payment. You will probably need it in the future. Also, for good measure, fax the proof of payment to NCO yourself... just in case they try to resell the already paid debt.

Also, I would suggest that you obtain a copy of your credit report. As far as I know Starchoice does not report to the credit bureau - good or bad - but it doesn't hurt to check. Since Starchoice is being reasonable with your husband, if it is listed there, I would suggest that he ask if Starchoice can have it removed as it was not a "skip", but a miscommunication. The worst that can happen is they say "no", but sometimes they can be reasonable. Do this even if NCO has listed it. Starchoice may be able to help.

Raymond,
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Words cannot express the relief I feel!
As Im sure you can tell, this is my first dealings with these "people" and, well, to be honest I bought a good portion of what they said.
And it does piss me off that I let them get to me like I did. I dont usually take crap from people, i always stand up for what i know is right.

But my knowlage in in this area is.. well I can only rely on the info I find. And i am so glad I found this site.
And thank you Raymond, for rekindling the warrior spirit in this girl!

Cheers!
Lady Isis.

P.S. Sorry about the novel sized post before....Felt good to vent!

Holy Cow!, Easy Does It! You've worn yourself out over nothing.

Look, believe me, Just tell them to F*** Off! It If they call you again, tell them the same thing or call them back 5 times for each time they call you and see how long they last. It really is that simple. I have no motive for lying to you. No one's going to take you to court over 190 lousy dollars. No point in getting a nervous breakdown over it.

See my thread with poster "butterfly" who owed the phone company over 2000 bucks because of her son. (Click on the "member posts" tab at the top, then click on "Raymond" and go to my "Another K.I.S.S.ing Script" from July 21, 2007. Or see the script I gave to poster "Optingout" [on thread 723] who insisted on acting like a milquetoast and being a collection agency doormat.)

There's also tons of information on my previous threads on how to deal with collection agencies, small claims courts, provincial statute of limitation periods, judgements, garnishments etc. It's not practical to type it out all over again.

The problem you were up all night wearing yourself out over could have been handled in 2 minutes, or probably less. No need to write 3 page letters.

Doubtlessly, the most important thing in the world for you right now is too calm down and regain the inner strength your anxiety has depleted.

Ray

P.S. Don't worry about your credit report. For 190 bucks, it's likely not even on there, and even if it was, by the time an item is in collections, it's already R9 (a bad debt or chargeoff) and it can't do any more damage than it's already done. You can check if it's on there by ordering your credit reports free of charge by mail from Equifax and TransUnion. A nominal fee is applicable for an online search

1.Don't worry about the Alberta Fair Trading Act. You would be wasting your time reading it. However, if you need any interpretive info (and I'm sure you won't), blogger Angella, also from Alberta, seems to be quite an expert on the Act.

2. If you decide to pay these people, NEVER send a collection agency a cheque from your bank account, or at least one that you intend to keep around for awhile. Send them a money order and keep the carbon copy if you must deal with the devils.