Harrassing bill collector - and how to deal?

Do Not Call lists do not protect you from bill collectors.

Doesn't sound fun.

I just pay my bills so they don't call.

Pay up or fight the charges. Ignoring won't make the problem go away.

Missed appointments count as charges, and... if you had received a bill and never paid it, then... well, sorry, you owe it. I'd just make a payment plan and pay them. They won't leave you alone, and will probably attempt to find a friend or family member to start harassing if you don't buck up.

Well. . . there is this service that Ramsey started recently. Don't know if it's any good, but I vouch for the man behind it, so it probably is,

https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/fair-debt?ictid=btxt.content

First you need to send a certified letter to the dentist to say that you are disputing the charges.

Then you need to contact the Credit Bureas to let them know this item is in dispute - because if collectors are calling it it showing up on your report. Once a bill passes 90 days it can really hurt you.

Additionally, ask them for PROOF they sent you a bill or a known policy that if you are a no-show you have to pay a fee. $300 seems excessive, normally it is the amount of your copay or $30-50.

If it states you will be charged a REASONABLE amount for the no-show such as the $50, then what has happened is you are now paying for late and collection fees.

I would try to contact the dentist and say you will not pay anything but the basic no-show fee. They may be able to arrange the payment and cancel the rest of the fees.

EVEN IF you pay in full, the collectors will call for some time after until your record is removed from their database.

Hope that helps--
a person who understands about stupid fees you had no idea even existed.

ps: try creditkarma.com to check your credit score. i love it and it's totally free!!

The above poster has good, sound advice.

To add to it: whatever you have to pay, pay directly to the dentist office. Do not pay the bill collector. Make sure you get receipts and keep copies of any correspondence from here on out.

Give'em Sin's number....she'll handle this for ya!

Just file bankruptcy and be done with it.

For only $306??? Ummmmm no. Unless you are jobless and homeless I would just PAY IT, or set up a payment plan while you are fighting it.....I get that it sucks they charge you such a ridiculous amount, but good credit is important in life and if it has been sent to an actual bill collector that will reflect negatively.

Better to deal with it than to have your credit rating drop because of it. It is a legit charge at some doctor's and dentist's office if you miss an appointment and don't call to cancel. If it's in collection, you will probably have to deal with them first.

Any advice you're getting to ignore it or block the call is all well and good for now. Just don't expect to be able to get loans for cars, houses, etc with outstanding bills on your record.

Good luck, this sounds like a nightmare.

Here is a blanket letter I am NOT a lawyer:

Re: DEMAND TO VALIDATE DEBT UNDER STATE LAW
Acct/Loan #: xxxxxxxxx

To Whom It May Concern:

I am sending this letter in response to a written notice dated (Date). The notice sent by your office claimed that I owe a certain debt to you or to a company you are affiliated with.

Please be advised that this is a debt validation letter. At this time, I am not disputing the validity of this debt. I am simply requesting proof of the debt. However, I reserve the right to dispute the debt after I receive a full and complete written response to this request to validate the debt. Please be advised that this is not a refusal to pay, but a notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 (b) that your claim is disputed and validation is requested.

This is NOT a request for “verification” or proof of my mailing address, but a request for VALIDATION made pursuant to the above named Title and Section. I respectfully request that your offices provide me with competent evidence that I have any legal obligation to pay you or the client you represent, <client>

You are aware of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, in addition to my home state laws regarding debt collection practices. Under such laws, I am asserting my right to receive the following information to my requests. Be advised that when I refer to “your company”, I am referring to the company that sent the notice claiming I owe a debt.

Please provide me with the following:
1. Who or what is the current legal owner of the debt; If your company is the owner then provide proof of the proper transfer of the debt to your company.
2. What the money you say I owe is for;
3. Provide an accounting of all payments made against the debt and an accounting of all fees, charges, costs, legal fees, penalties, and interest charged because of the debt.
4. Complete payment history, the requirement of which has been established via Spears v. Brennan 745 N.E.2d: 2001 Ind. App. LEXIS 509
5. Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay you what you say I owe;
6. Provide a verification or copy of any judgment as it relates to the debt; and/or any legal papers filed against me in an effort to collect the debt if applicable;
7. Identify the original creditor;
8. Provide a complete list of all owners of the debt, including the date of transfers or assignments of the debt;
9. Are you in possession of the original paperwork that established and created the debt obligation;
10. Provide a copy of all written agreements that establish the debt;
11. Provide a copy of all written agreements allegedly signed by me as it relates to the debt;
12. Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account; thereby establishing you are legally entitled to collect the debt.
13. Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state;
14. Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent;
15. The agreement which authorizes you to collect debt on the assumed debt.
16. Provide proof that you have filed all necessary paperwork with the appropriate agencies that allow you to collect debt from me in my home state or my home city. Include your registration and/or license numbers.
17. Agreement that bears the signature of the alleged debtor wherein he agreed to pay the original creditor.
18. Letter of sale or assignment from the original creditor to your company. (Agreement with your client that grants you the authority to collect on this alleged debt.) Coppola v. Arrow Financial Services, 302cv577, 2002 WL 32173704 (D.Conn.)

All collection activity must cease and desist until you have provided me with all of the requested information contained in this letter and until I have had 60 days to review the requested information. Furthermore, you shall cease and desist making any contact by telephone, email, text, facsimile, or internet phone to my home, to any past and present place of employment, to any of my relatives, to any of my friends, and to any of my co-workers. In fact, you must cease and desist making any and all above mentioned contact to any person or entity. You may only contact me, in writing, by regular mail to the address on this letter.