Contract Callers Complaint

Contract Callers, Inc. Debt collection department,

Other (phone, health club, etc.) Communication tactics Used obscene/profane/abusive language Illinois

A woman from a collection agency for - - called me at - from the number - - - -. She was calling about a debt I owe to - of $150.00 or so. When I told her I was not working, not eligible for unemployment insurance and I do not have any money, she prodded me to get friends and family to help me. I told her that they are already helping me as much as they can ( I am living with family and they are making sure I have food and have access to a phone, car and car insurance so I can continue to look for work ). I explained to the woman that I recently got divorced and have a lot of bills that have added up. I told her that I am aware of the debt and plan to pay it as soon as I can. She then asked which bank I use. I told her I will not give her that information and she proceeded to tell me that I may as well just give it to her since they 'll keep calling and get it eventually. Then she started raising her voice

Are you trying to say not to call you again? Is that what you 're trying to say? . I told her that it is illegal for her to harass me and that I had already told her I am aware of the debt, I do not have any money, and I plan to pay it when I am working and can take care of it. I told her that I was n't telling her not to call me again and she was talking over me, yelling and arguing. Eventually, she hung up on me. This conversation is the most adversarial and nasty one I 've ever had with a debt collector. It left me shaken up. I had a scheduled phone job interview with a potential employer right afterwards. I 'm hoping answering this woman 's call did n't affect my manner on the phone. I am trying my best to find work and be able to support myself again. I do not feel it was fair or legal for this woman to verbally abuse me on the phone. I answered the out-of-state number, knowing it was probably a debt collector, because I 'm being as responsible as I can. I do not like having outstanding debts and I try my best to deal with everyone who contacts me in a fair and respectful way. I am in an unfortunate spot in my life at the moment that will hopefully pass soon. Being abused over the phone by a debt collector adds insult to injury. I reported this because I do not want anyone else to be treated the way I just was.