Hi:
Does your method of sending them a letter and some cash work in all states.
I keep getting calls from them as well and I would like a tried method of them to stop harassing me.
He meant that sending a certified letter costs "a couple of dollars". He wasn't suggesting sending cash to the debt collector. (Actually, I think mailing a letter via certified letter with a return receipt request costs $5 or so. Check with you local post office branch or go to www.usps.gov for details.)
Here's a little background to help answer your question. Because of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you are under no obligation to ever communicate with a debt collector. Accordingly, if you are being contacted by a debt collector, you can inform the debt collector to cease all communication with you. The best way to do this is by mailing them a letter informing them that they are to "cease all communication" with you. If they contact you more than once after receiving your letter, then they are in violation of the FDCPA and you have grounds to sue them for damages in federal court. Just be sure to mail the letter via certified mail with a return receipt request; your local post office clerk can help you with that. (It's no big deal.) Be sure to keep a copy of the letter that you send the debt collector and to keep the return receipt that the post office mails to you after the debt collector receives your letter. The receipt proves that the debt collector received your letter, and comes in handy should the debt collector ignore your letter and you choose to sue.
This FDCPA rules apply to every state because it's a federal law.
For more information about protecting your debt collection rights, check out these websites:
Several times over the last year I've received calls from these folks and other collection agencies. While I recognize the M.O. of recovering debt, I'm sick and tired of being called just because my name matches that of someone irresponsible with their money!
Ususally the last four digits of the SSN will stop the calls until the deadbeats strike again!