I don't think this is a collection agency, it's a scam of some sort. They've called this business daily, asking for an employee who no longer works for the company. Indian accent, always claims "Andrew" told him to call. When I asked to speak to Andrew, his line is busy. I finally told the Indian guy I was calling the local police to file a harassment report. He suddenly was able to take our name and number off the calling list.
No you can't talk to the DOE (Dept of Ed) they only deal with CURRENT loans NOT DEFAULTED loans. Once you are in default the DOE sends your info to SELECTED collections agencies to collect on the balance of the loan. As for your comment about those who work at collection agencies, we have a chip on our shoulder because we deal with ignorant morons every day and most of us did go to college, at least we're not sitting at home with no job or with a job that pays well but still not paying our school loans. FYI, you CANNOT be a collector for the DOE if your school loan is in default. At least we pay our bills :)
So go pick up the phone call the number that you ignore every day and make arrangments to pay your debt.
That's a great idea if you want to go to work one day and find your check 15-25% lighter than usual, or if you want you taxes offset or if you want your social security offset. Sure take the advise of "dcmeek" but call him when you find your money invlountarily going to the Gov't. Great advise "dcmeek", keep the useless info flowing :)
I have always had a negative ideal in my head about collection agencies, even though I have NEVER been in collections myself. I have had a credit card since I was 16, went to college (still paying off my loan which has been in deferment several times but NEVER in default), I own a home and I'm married with 3 childen. All my life I have been responsible enough to pay my debts on time regardless of the economy or any personal issues.
I was recently laid off, had my 3rd child within a week of being laid off and was out of work for 5 months. Those are the type of people who work at collection agencies, they are people who decide to do whatever they can to overcome the obstacles that life puts in your way.
In my opinion the collection agencies are not the bottom-feeders, that term in my mind defines those who don't pay their debts because they are the ones feeding upon those who do pay by putting us in the economic hell hole that we're in!