That's a good question. I'm not sure what is the answer to your question. I'll do some poking around and get back to you if I discover an good answer. You should email the people at Lending Tree as they probably could give you an answer..

Awesome! Now I can't wait to answer the phone! I'm going to print this out and put it by the phone. Thanks a bunch!!.

Again though can the ca's I'm requesting validation from still be calling me or can I use the same lines on them. Thanks again!..

There you go, now YOU have the power and thats half the battle...

I kinda get sad when the calls stop it is so much fun...

If you have not got a confirmation of the C & D ..

Then just say everything the same but just don't mention cease and desist ...

Ask them verbal questions inline with what you mailed ..

Can you verify the debt ..

I do not recall owing you anything..

I only deal with the original creditor..

Show me proof that you have the RIGHT to collect this alleged debt...

( that really gets them ) Then go into a diatribe about why would I even entertain the idea of agreeing to pay money over the phone to someone ..

Didn't your mommy teach you never to talk to strangers ..

I dont have any contractual relationship with ...

Hmm Maybe this is phone fraud .. Then verify all there information again ...

Then go.. let get this right you are XXXXX.

And read all the info and you want me to pay this alleged amount alleged owed to XXX. Andn I should agree to all this with a total stranger over the phone ...

They will go yes..

You go OK now I have alleged facts I want to thank you for you time in this matter .. You have been most helpfuland I will apss all this information on the the person that is handling all this. so now you have no need to call anymore and have a nice day ...

Then it's up to you ...

Hang them out to dry a little ..

If they hang up on you then you call back and ask for a supervisor and ask why the folks are so mean ...

Thats kinda fun.

There is no need for them to validate YOU CA need to validate with the CO..

Thanks so much! I'm feeling so much better about answering the phone now. I won't feel so intimidated and I will have some ammo to deal with these people..

Thanks for the awesome advice. I really appreciate it. I don't feel so alone anymore. I love this site!..

Bump.

Any one else have any good advice. Thanks a Bunch!..

Funny thing is... since I Decided to answer the phone the calls have stopped. Go figure?!..

Tee hee, if you never admit that you are the person they are calling to talk to in the begining you can, at the end of the call, append the above to :.

Ok, now I have the alleged fact, I want to thank you for your time in this matter. You have been most helpful, I will pass this on to Mr Lsr (or whoever they called for). You have no need to call anymore, have a nice day!.

They'll shit a brick if you leave them thinking they blabbed to the wrong person! Ha Ha Ha!!!..

Um....what exactly is the "consumer credit act?" I mean no offense here, but I think if I was the CA on the other end of the phone, I would laugh in your face at that one. It might be a good idea to make sure that you know the laws you are quoting so you don't appear ignorant..

It probably wouldn't matter much in this case, since the goal is just to exasperate the moron on the other side of the phone, but it's something to keep in mind...

Also, in general it is always a BAD idea to talk to any collection agency over the phone unless you know exactly what you are doing. They will try to use the phone call and whatever you may say against you, so although it may be fun to toy with them a little, be careful you don't hurt your situation further..

Only communicate with them by letter. In fact, send them a cease and desist letter so if they do continue to call you, they will be in violation of the FDCPA...

Consumer Credit Act is just another way of saying FCRA and FDCPA combined, I think it encompases TILA too, not sure....

I could be way off base here though.......