[citation][nom]v4nquish[/nom]I don't know where (or if at all) you have a full time job; but debt collectors DO serve a purpose.In my opinion the scum bags of the earth are the people ordering from my company (where I'm a controller) and never end of up paying. We're talking upwards of 100k a year, and we are a relatively small company. I sympathize with you're parents position, and yes it sucks, but for the most part the scum bags are those people who want something for free. (read between the lines, STEALING)[/citation]
Here's the problem. When dealing with the majority of debt collectors, you are not dealing with higher life forms. Should people pay their debts? Of course. Are there people that go out of their way to avoid paying debts? Yes there are. However, there are many people who for whatever reason fall behind. An unanticipated layoff, medical issues, you name it. They want to pay their debts. The problem is you have these debt collectors who go above and beyond and actually harass, such as the case in this article. Here's a real life example, I had 2 roommates. Both of them owed money to the same place. They also couldn't pay rent. So I kicked them out. Here's the kicker, my home phone number was there number of record at this collection agency. So this lady calls for roommate 1. "I'm with so and so company, we're trying to get ahold of"....the usualy stuff. My response was, "they aren't here and I don't know where they are." I know, they've heard that before, but honestly I didn't. Ok, she calls back 5 min laters. Same woman, looking for roommate 2. Again, "Lady, i kicked them out, probably for the same reasons you're looking for them, stop calling". 5 min later, same woman. "Yes i'm a friend of *roommate 1*, do you know how to get a hold him?" My response, "Look, I have caller ID, at least hide your number if you're going to lie to me. I still don't know where either of them are" Now you would think that would be enough. No, the next day, same woman, (with phone number now hidden), "Yes, i'm a friend of...." This is the crap these people pull. It's ridiculous.