Identified themselves as Professional Account Services.....A Bill Collector. had been receiving several calls over the past week or so concerning a supposed balance due from a Local Hospital back in March of 2015. I told them I'd have to check into why this had been turned over to a collection agency since I had 3 insurances at the time. The guy said that even though he would put that note on the account....the calls and attempts to collect would not stop. I have dealt with Bill Collectors before...DO Nothing over the Phone! Get it in writing! Verify from the Original organization or business, that it has been turned over to a collection agency. If you have nothing in writing...you have just that....Nothing! They can threaten you all they want with anything the can dream-up. You are only liable for amount the business you owed initially, turned over to them and NOTHING ELSE. They will threaten you with Legal action saying you will pay everyone's fees that lives in your district, region...it's Bullshit and an attempt at extortion to get anything they can out of you, They will all give you half-truth's, severely mis-interpreted and distorted truths and even try to quote you laws. Remember...it's all Bullshit to get whatever they can out of you. Don't Cave in to them if you feel you don't owe it!They can even sell the debt note to another collector (if they find they can't get anywhere with you) who can still try and collect on it years later. Call their Bluff, Make them produce it in writing !!! If they do manage to carry through with it....You now have some choices 1.) Go see an attorney and I'm sure there will be any number of them glad to take your side in it. 2.) Send them a Registered Letter with your Offer of a Negotiated amount and see if they will accept it. Drag them out and make them produce. Most will give up. Be Forceful and Steadfast about the amount you will pay. Demand it in writing! FAXED or Written on Company letterhead. This validates that they have a better reputation. 3.) Call the Better Business and report the incident. If they manage to call you again let them know you have reported them to the BBB. Use every advantage you can against them...They are doing it on you with no second thought and will continue to do so. 4.) There is always the option of telling them to "Piss Off" and don't accept anymore of their calls. Of course...ignoring them works fairly well until they start calling your friends, neighbors, etc. Be Prepared to get ruthless on them. As already mentioned...they'll do it to you in a Heartbeat. Good Luck!
