Awhile back I found a link on WalletPop that took me to a page where I watched a (YouTube like) video by this older couple. They were talking about the rights of someone currently being dunned by a debt collector. I was on my work computer and unable to save the information. I am specifically interested in some of the things they spoke of on that video, such as
1. I have the right to know exactly who they are representing, as in to whom I actually owe this debt.
2. I have the right to know the exact amount owed to this person, persons or agency, to include the amount of any applicable fees.
3. I have the right to know the address and telephone number of this person, persons or agency that I owe this debt.
4. I have the right to request that they not contact me by telephone rather that I would like all contact be made via written correspondence.
5. I have the right to not accept any offered plan for early pay off.
About three years ago my husband and I separated and have been working dilagently on paying off our debts both personal and those accrued jointly. We have made significant progress without accepting any early payoff plans offered. However, we are now down to two credit cards and have run into a real problem.
The reason I would like to know if the above stated rights are valid is because I sincerely believe that we are both being dunned for the same debt through different collection agencies. We no longer live together, but we are working together on this so that we can start new lives apart. We have both been told by various people and agencies that provide credit counseling that it looks better on your credit report if you pay the debt in full rather than accept a pay off. So that is what we are trying to do.
I am currently being harrassed by a company called Portfolio Recovery, they call me every three days without fail. They are very rude and demanding. Therefore, I want to make sure I know what I'm talking about (to the best of my ability) when I talk to them the next time. Referencing the above 5 "rights", I would like to know if I can make those requests and if so, what reference should I use to back myself up?