West Corporation/American Express

[Aaaaah!]

So...here's an interesting one. I'm getting calls from West Corporation (a customer communications/debt collection firm in Omaha, Nebraska) -- so sayeth my caller ID. However, in the messages, all the representatives identify themselves as being from American Express.

A couple of minutes of research shows me that American Express is a client of West Corporation, but therein lies a really weird situation: if they're a separate company, I can C&D them (b/c they're not the OC) but they're pretending as if they are.

On a slightly separate note, I C&D'd NCO and Nationwide on an Amex account (I have/had two) and got a letter directly from American Express saying that they would honor my request to C&D on that one account (with the lower balance.) Seems like Amex is playing fast and loose all the time -- kind of "we send you to collections, but we don't really."

[wolfledet]

re:West

Hi, Just wanted to confirm yes West Corporation does have several clients including companies such as Cricket Wireless company, Home Shopping Network and DSL. I actually work with them, and I am able to work from home. I'm not fully familiar with the Amex accounts but do know that West Corp does handle a large amount of accounts. Don't know if that helps any. Good Luck

[HHM]

Honestly, so what. You cannot C&D your way out of debt.

[JRScott]

Basically just ignore them. If you are heading to bankruptcy get yourself in shape to file.

[Aaaaah!]

Well, HHM, I appreciate that and know that. I am trying to handle this entire situation as honestly and responsibly as I can. My actual issue is that American Express had my parents' phone number as an emergency contact (last time I do that) and every time they turn this account over to a new company, the first thing that company does is call my parents (which is what West did). This is despite the fact that American Express has completely up-to-date information on me: where I live, my financial situation, my phone number, etc.

The fact that they and their minions deem it appropriate to call my senior citizen parents for no other reason (that I can see) than to rattle me once every month or so is unethical in my opinion. The only tool I have at this point to stop them from continuing to call -- while I try to figure out my financial situation -- is a C&D letter. If you have better advice, believe me, I'm all ears.

[JRScott]

Yeah do C&D to keep them from contacting your parents and work. You probably will have to send such a letter to all the collection guys they use, or just send one to AMEX itself and include all accounts, listing the number and address they are to contact you at.

[Aaaaah!]

JR, that's a great idea. I guess since they are the OC, I figured there was nothing I could do, but, you're right, it wouldn't hurt and at least if I had a record that they've been informed about where to contact me it may actually get me somewhere. (Even thought I've told them over the phone several times.) Thanks!