Posted on 08/09/2005 4:08:09 PM PDT by bootless
This is a heartfelt prayer request, and I hope you don't mind a little detail - it's important to my situation:
I had something happen at the end of last week that REALLY made me mad - and that's not easy - and disturbed me as well. I had called a collection agency as a potential client (deadbeat customer of mine), one that I had been a debtor with (a mistaken collection placement when the original creditor didn't apply my payments) and had come to a successful conclusion with. I had asked for, and worked with Collector A - nice guy, respectful, worked well together, no problems. He said "I took care of business" with my account. All is well.
He was happy to take on the account, and I had asked him up front if they handled accounts of this dollar value (between $500 and $100). He said yes, requested my emails with my deadbeat customer, the invoice, etc. Was willing to call Mr. Deadbeat that day if I wanted. I asked him what percentage they took, and he told me, and then said that he could waive the cut because he didn't want me to get hosed out of the $$ I earned. Thought that was nice.
I had given Mr. Deadbeat a close-of-business deadline on Friday to communicate, which he sort of did. No $$ yet, but he did write back (probably just to get me off his back for the time being - that's a whole different issue.) So, he asked me to call him a little after 5 pm, which I did to tell him he didn't need to call Mr. Deadbeat just yet. Here's where it gets weird.
I call this ahency (which is located near my home), punch in the extension, and get Collector B (Mr. Scum). He tells me that he knew who I was, that he was the best and should handle the case for me. A little surprised by his manner, I said no thanks, I was dealing with Collector A, who was familiar with the case, and I just wanted to let him know he didn't have to call Mr. Deadbeat just yet.
Collector B says he was standing over Collector A the whole time, said I wasn't a client, that Collector A was doing a personal favor for me. He's starting to interrupt me rudely, while I said, no, I want to hire your agency. That's when he opens up both barrels, exclaiming, "This is a personal call! This is a personal call!"
Me: "No, it's not. I'm trying to hire your company."
Collector B: "We handle huge companies, like [Big Bank] and [Other Big Bank]. Collector A was doing you a personal favor."
Here's where it turned my stomach.
Collector B continues: "So. What does Collector A get out of this?"
Me: "Well, I planned on paying the percentage."
Collector B: "Well, we're in [City A], and you live in [City B]. Collector A likes the personal touch, if you're feelin' me." (Yuck)
Me. "What?? I'm paying the 40%!"
Collector B: "No, you're not. This is personal. You're not a client. You're a former debtor that Collector A is doing a personal favor for."
I finally said I'd call back and leave a voicemail for Coll. A, do so, and then call back again, dialing 0. The receptionist answers. I ask if Coll. A is still there. He's not. I then say I just spoke with Coll. B and had an uneasy feeling about the call - could I speak with him again? She says, "Okaaayy" and connects me. Coll B answers.
I tell him that I did not like how that conversation went, and said (in a take-no-crap tone), "I *hope* you were joking."
Collector B: "Of course I was joking." (Right.)
I told him he didn't know me and I don't like it when people talk to me that way.
Collector B (not sounding all that sorry, just busted): "Well, sorry if you were offended. You're not a client, etc etc etc. There's a small collection agency in your town that handles little stuff, call them."
Me: I'll call Monday.
I work in an environment with mostly guys, and am no shrinking violet. I know when someone's joking, and when they're not. I wanted to throw up, and then kick his @$$. Now I know why he kept saying "This is a personal call." I just can't believe this guy was so stone-cold stupid (insert the rock-hard stupid paragraph). For someone that I have never spoken with before to suggest that collection activity was being conducted for, ahem, sexual favors is SO FAR beyond the pale it boggles the mind.
The good part is, when I called the agency to tell them what happened, Collector A was appalled, livid and very apologetic. Turns out the scumbag works for HIM! Guy never showed up for work. My contact writes it up for his boss, the owner, and I found out today the scum was terminated. I also told both of them (my contact and the owner) that I was very concerned about possible retaliation. It's me and my son.
I plan to call the police so they can keep an eye on my house, but I don't even know what this guy looks like, much less his real name. I know his work name only. But being realistic, unless they park in front of my house 24/7...
I need your prayers (and any advice, too). I'd have been happy with an apology from the guy, but do agree with the company that they can't tolerate that kind of thing. A Freeper friend thinks he had one foot out the door anyway ... was planning to quit anyway, and may have done this to go out in a blaze, maybe even score a date for Friday night (HA!), and possibly to collect the unemployment as well (this is California). He never did show up for his shift that day (which would have started not long after I reported this).
I have the wim-wams. I may be worrying unnecessarily, and was very direct with the company about my concerns. The owner (who sounds like he's been around) told me that if he thought that was a concern, he would have taken care of it.
You guys are the best prayer warriors I know. I ask for prayers of protection for me and my family, and of rebuke and binding of any evil that may surround this. And I do ask your honesty as well in assessing the situation.
Prayer ping - thank you!
Prayer ping - thanks!
God also helps those who help themselves.
Buy a gun.
I plan on it. Any suggestions?
For basic home defense? A 12 ga. shotgun.
OK, good. And how about away from home?
Load it.
Any way to stay at a friend's house for a week or two? Put a different name on your mailbox but let your mailman know what's up. Tell trusted neighbors to be on the lookout. Don't leave work after dark and have a guy walk out with you. Vary your schedule and routes and times to work and daycare/school.
prayer ping from me...
You have Freepmail.
Hey folks......bootless needs our prayers. Big time.
Please address your prayers to bootless. Thank you very much!
Forgot to add; drive a friend's (male of course) car or a rental for a couple weeks in case he somehow was able to get your license number. Park your car elsewhere or let your friend drive it. Also, have a guy friend (gay!) stay over.
ping...
You've got mail.
I don't think you can conceal carry in California.
Here in Texas, I go with a Ruger KP-90 (.45 ACP)
Can you carry Mace there? I don't know...
... umm... if the creep confronts you, think testicles?
Thanks, BG!!!
Yes, you can carry conceal. AFTER qualifying for it. And it's gonna take a while for that to happen.
Mace? You must take a course to be qualified. Pepper Spray? Over the counter.
You're welcome! Now. Go open your FRmail! ;)
I'm thinking krav maga.
Prayers sent.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.