What would you do?

[red-beard]

Collection agency called yesterday for my #1 ex-wife. They wanted me to get a message to her, that it's not too late to settle...

I haven't seen the sleezy, lying, b**** that couldn't keep her panties on since 1991. They told my _now_ wife that she was dead. So, I called the phone number and at least got the name of the firm, after they did tell me she wasn't dead.

Me: I haven't seen her since 1991 and no contact since the fall of 1992. I don't know where she is.

Them: If you talk to her, or her family. This is really important. I mean, I'm calling on a Sunday. I wouldn't do that if it wasn't important.

Me: So, what is this about?

Them: I can't tell you. It would be illegal for me to tell you.

Me: Is this something criminal or civil in nature.

Them: Oh, no, no, it's not criminal.

Me: So, you want me to call someone, who I haven't had any contact with in 16 years, who I don't know where she lives, who I couldn't really care if she were dead or alive.

Them: Yes. It's really important. She needs to contact me before the end of the month.

blah-blah-blah

In all seriousness, I couldn't carel ess. About the only reason to do anything is for revenge, but I don't even have enough feelings left for that. The only reason I even called back was that they said to my wife that she was dead. And under those circustamnces, if I could find her mother, I'd at least call and report that her daughter was dead.

What freakin' sleazes are in the collection business! I can't believe they told my wife that ex#1 was dead.

And how did they get my phone number and connect me to her?

You know, I've probably wasted more bandwidth here than this stupid thing is worth...

[pwd72s]

It's probably good that you called them back, or they'd be bugging you. Now that they know you're a dead end? Hopefully it's over.

[David]

Texas has pretty strict laws concerning collection agencies. I'd pass their number to the state attorney general.

[notfarnow]

Legal or not, it sure is classy.

Must be a real rewarding way to make $8/hr.

[id10t]

Next time I'd demand a cut from 'em up front... "No, I don't know where she is, but send me $500 and I'll spend up to 72 hours looking"

[Neilk]

Perhaps it was one of those companies that finds lost/ abandoned assets and tries to recover them for people (with a hefty commission). I have had several friends who have gotten calls like that. One even collected about $150k, but she bypassed the agency and got her lost asset through her stock broker.

[red-beard]

If they had offered a finders fee, that would have been one thing...

[legion]

I got a similar call about a dead-beat high school friend once. I gave them his phone number, stated I have no desire to ever speak to him again, and never heard from them again.

[Moneyguy1]

My former spouse from whom I had been divorced for over a decade still gets offers for Medicare, insurance, eyeglasses and hearing aids. She never lived in AZ and didn't even use her former married surname. Calls to Social Security and Medicare and others were of no help in determining why I still get all this mail and an occasional phone call. She is dead. Has been for over two years. Go figure.

[red-beard]

Well, I did a little searching and found out what it was. She has a $20,000 judgement against her (can't tell what it is over) where she used to live.

It's just money and her life, not mine. Not getting involved.

[M.D. Holloway]

Proof positive that they will follow you to the ends of the earth, to the gates of heaven or the bowels of hell. Once you think you have broken free for good they drag you back in when you least expect it.

[stomachmonkey]

My father passed away in August.

I'm paying the 2nd mortgage on the house till I can get it sold.

He had to take out a second because ex wife #4, (who was clinically psychotic) opened lines of credit in his name after they were divorced.

She passed away and 6 years later they came after my father. He had 2 seperate law firms working on it but was still on the hook for the money.

Check your credit reports regularly.

[svandamme]

i wouldn't have bothered... i'de ask them 1 question "do i owe you guys money"
if they say no: *click*