Debt Collecting Q & A - Hang Ups

by Jim Finucan

Published on this site: April 7th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

Question : I have a fellow who owes me $937. As soon as he realizes it's me on the phone he hangs up. How can I collect when I can't even communicate with this guy?

Marvin Jenks, MI

Answer : You need to find a way to increase the pressure on this debtor. Call the debtor at work and see if his ill-mannered ways persist when he's in a situation where his co-workers might overhear him. Try talking to his wife and see if you can interest her in avoiding legal action and all of the hassle and extra expense that would mean for them. She may be the brains of the family, or at least have the ethical foundation. Show up at his workplace with the bill in your hand and ask to see him. Send a strongly worded, no nonsense letter stating that you will take legal action if no response is received by a particular date. (Note: this can't be just an idle threat; you have to follow through.) If all else fails and you do end up taking him to court be sure to add on the court costs (assuming your agreement or contract has allowed for that.)

In a nutshell, you'll have to find some way of giving the bill more "weight" than it has now - something he can't ignore or shrug off. Come at him from as many directions as you can. When you turn up the heat by coming at him from different angles it increases the stakes for the debtor and makes it much more difficult for him to avoid you, which greatly increases your chances of getting the money.

Jim Finucan presents the techniques he developed over a fifteen-year collections career in "Past Due! - A Debt Collections Manual." - They've helped thousands double the dollars they bring in from delinquent accounts. More info is at: http://www.tiare.com/pastdue.htm