Yes, this number is a bill collector named Merchants and Medical. YES, I do owe 324.00 for a medical bill. I was setting up payment arrangements for 50.00 a month, this was not acceptable to the [***] I was speaking with. And she kept insisting on me giving her the name of MY bank. I said I will NOT give that information out over the phone. I will send a payment every month for 50.00, again, not acceptable. So I told her to take a flying leap. Very rude!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a debt collector that buys old written off debt and by law they are allowed to try to collect against it. They MUST give you their full address so you can and are allowed by law to write them (registerd mail) and tell them to cease and desist from all calls. These people are nasty
Just got a call at work asking for my boss by her first (nick)name. I told the girl she wasn't available and may I take a message. She then said "Just put me over to her." I told her in a firm tone of voice "I said she's not available. Would you like to leave a message?" She again told (did not ask) me to put her through. I hung up on her. What's the deal with these people? They sure would get further with politeness. My caller id showed "Flint MI."
Yep they are a collection agency for several places, including St. Joseph Hospital. They call constantly almost to the point of harrassment. They never leave a message, but they let your answering machine or voice mail pick up & then report in your file that they have made contact. If you speak to them, they refuse to give you the info you need to verify the account they are trying to collect.
They refuse to accept partial payments and/or to set up payment arrangements. If you really don't have any outstanding accounts, mail them (certified or registered mail) a Cease & Desist letter. By law you can request the only contact with you from them be by mail.
One thing I was told, is if you do have an outstanding account, NEVER pay these people. ALWAYS make payments to the original creditor.
Also, as suggested above, research the Debt Collection laws in the state you live in. You would be amazed at the information you can find.
Just an addition to my original post. When you research Debt Collectors/Collections for your state, check to see what the "Statue of Limitations" are for each kind of debt. Be very careful how you reply to these people because you can inadvertantly 'reactivate' an account that is past it's limitations. PLEASE just do some research, it's very informative and useful in reducing stress to you & your family. It also makes you feel like you have some control over these type of situations.