Question Re: more Citibank harassment

Saturday I received a message from a woman who did not identify herself and said that there was a problem with my SSN. Foolishly, I called back b/c I thought there might really be a problem with the SSN. When I asked who she was, she said she was from an agency that collects for Citicard. She told me what they wanted to offer in terms of a settlement, and I said that I'd have to think about it and that I didn't think their terms were particularly flexible. She asked why I'd gone from paying every bill on time since 1987 to not paying this account since October. I told her that we'd had to close our businesses because of 9/11.

Then she began berating me, saying that 9/11 couldn't have anything to do with the downturn in our finances because her family was doing really really well since 9/11. So I told her that I was happy that her family was doing well (not even with attitude in my voice, really), and I hoped that she'd have a great day and ended the call.

Ten seconds later a male associate of hers called my machine and started yelling into the message machine that "just because you live in NYC doesn't mean you can write off your debts . . . we're rescinding our generous settlement offer . . . that's OFF the table because YOU BLEW IT. We're expediting sending this to court. We'll sue you and if you have an attorney you'd better have him call us immediately."

Of course this was all very upsetting. I felt foolish for being tricked into calling them back and speaking with them. And, of course I will let my attorney know about this tomorrow, when the holiday is over.

QUESTION: How quickly can Citi get a court date against us? We are in NYC. We will have to file unless there is a miracle in our lives and we're not counting on that. Our attorney had told us that he wants us to wait until 90 days after the very last use of any credit card. That would be the end of April. Could Citi get a judgement against us before that? I know my attorney will have something to say about this tomorrow, but I'd love to sleep well tonight.

It typically takes a few months to get a garnishment pushed through the system. A lot of the time really depends on the collection methodology that the creditor uses to.

I hope that you saved those recordings on your answering machine.....

I really wish I had. :( You're the umpteenth person to say that. I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I just want these people out of my life, which they will be very soon.

Turns out that I didn't erase either of the messages: I have the "trick" message where they don't identify themselves and say there's a problem with my SSN as well as the the one where a man calls back and berates and threatens me. Don't know what I'll do with them, but at least I have them on tape.

If nothing else, you can file a complaint against them with the FTC. But a few years ago, my parents started getting harrassing, obnoxious calls from Citibank over a credit card. They taped the messages and after having several, contacted an attorney they knew. The attorney recommended my parents file in small claims court for harassment and emotional distress. My parents filed and about 2 weeks later, Citibank sent THEM a check for $1000 PLUS cancelled the entire debt. My parents dropped their suit after cashing the check. They way these employees acted is unethical, if not illegal. Depending on how much you owe, if you file in small claims, you might find your debt cancelled, plus a check. At the very least ,I would bet those employees get in a lot of trouble at work.

You said that the person calling you was from an agency collection for Citibank. Which means that Citibank has sold, or placed with that agency. You need to send the agency a cease and desist letter, stating to not contact you anymore in regards to this matter, persuant to fair debt collection act. If they contact you after that, then contact an attorney and sue them for violation of fair debt. Make sure you send the letter certified, so they will have to sign for it, otherwise they will claim they never recieved it. I have worked in collection for over 5 years. They will stop after signing for that letter. Depending on how fast they get rid of their efforts exhausted accounts, you are looking atleast at 3 mos before an actual suit would be filed, depending on balance.