I found this site when NCO called me looking for someone I never heard of. The guy kept giving me bits of info about his "target", but I had the feeling he wanted me to give back info about myself to prove I didn't know the man.

These guys obviously fight dirty, so fight smart instead. When they tell you they are recording the call, tell them "That's fine with me.

Give me just a second and I'll set up my recorder too." Then if you don't already have a recorder, get one before the next time you talk to them.

Gather your proof of payment or other info and take it to the credit reporting agency instead of to them. Detail the debt, any settlement agreements and the prof of payments and then demand that the reporting agency add it to your account and take the debt off.

It is illegal for them to call your relatives and give them information about your debts. Report them immediately if they do this. If they continue to call after being told not to, this is also reportable.

Finally, let's all write to our legislators and ask that this behavior be tagged for what it is-- extortion. Anyone who holds up your credit for a bogus debt should be charged with extortion in criminal court, not just sued in small claims. This includes the owners, executives and phone handlers. Anyone who participates in anyway.

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