Payday loans

[jchaput]

What is the name of your state? Montana

I got one of those horrible payday loans a while back. My soon-to-be ex had some gambling problems and we were always without money, so I did one of those. Well, of course, I couldn't pay it back. In the meantime, this debt was turned over for collection. This was a national loan place, over the internet, not something local.

Now, a collection agency called and left a message with my husband (I've since moved out). They gave a name that sounded like they were lawyers and used names like "Agent" so-and-so, but they are not even listed in the phone book (the number was in Jacksonville, Florida), so I figured it was a collection agency. I called them back and they told me that if I did not pay them the $260 by 7:00 p.m. that night, they would contact my county and have me arrested for theft. They said they would come to my place of employment and have me arrested (I telecommute, so I work from home). They don't even have my new address (in a new town), but can they have me arrested for this? I offered to pay it back on my next payday a week later and they said that was too late.

 

[Ladynred]

No, you cannot be arrested for debt in this country. In fact, the CA's threat is a direct violation of the FDCPA !

They're just trying to scare you by turning the screws. Don't talk to them on the phone and don't worry about any sheriff knocking on your door - unless its a kid in a Halloween costume !!!

 

[bearfootball]

I'd keep playing their game. Let them know because you knew the nature of their call, you recorded the conversation and will submit their threats to your attorney. For $260, they'll go running.

 

[chinabloo]

Just jumping in here from experience. Is this one of the places where you post-date a check? My husband got into trouble with a couple of these places and bounced several checks to them. All but one agreed to a weekly payment until the "loan" was paid back. However, one stuck by their guns and my husband had to go to arbitration for it. Luckily, he came up with the money and paid it before his scheduled court date.