I have been receiving numerous comments and questions regarding my previous posts on Credit Card Woes. Some of them I replied to, some I left out to the readers to find out for themselves, given time. What I've noticed though; some questions can be answered by the questioner if he simply reads the entire Credit Card Woes series thoroughly, especially my replies to some of the readers' queries right below the article.
To all those who sent questions dated way back like 2006 and 2007, if you're reading this, then you probably know the answer to your question already.
Maybe you still have credit card debt, still can't pay, or you're slowly paying up. But definitely, you ain't in jail, and you're probably in some internet cafe sipping ice coffee or maybe at home in front of your pc. If this is not the case, and you're wearing an orange pajama and shirt with a big P on the back, then by all means, TELL US WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!?!
Anyway, I felt the need to sum this series up as I probably can't answer all your questions. So I leave you with 4 points to remember when you feel the pinch, so you could function again, and live your one life out of that hole which circumstance, or you, have dug yourself into.
1.) Relax - hard to do if you're way down deep in credit card debt, but very important. It may be small comfort to know that tens of thousands of Filipinos are in the same boat as you are. Knowing that millions die of cancer each year does not make it any less stressful if you have it. Still, it does no good if you dwell on it. There are better things to do.
2.) Pay When Able - don't pay if it means selling your last pair of shoes, and ignore all demands asking you to do so. Pay when you're ready to pay. But don't be so eager that you go seek them out and sign the first promissory note from some lawyer office you see. Wait it out. The best deal and the opportunity to pay will present itself to you sooner or later.
3.) Move On - yes you can get that NBI clearance, you can open that bank account, you can get a passport, go anywhere you like, or apply for a job abroad. No one can take your right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness because of credit card debt. Besides, how would you be able to pay if they stop you from living your life?
4.) Stop The Cycle - got a shiny and flashy new card but still have debt? Don't even think about it.
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Related: Credit Card Woes - The Call, The Letter, The Visit
Next Post - GMA Ouster - One Missed Call
Hi Argus,
ReplyDeletethanks for visiting my blog.you are one those who inspired me to put it up.
thumbs up
Banker
Thank you Argus for visiting banker's forum related to this that lead me to this very enlightening blog. Well, i read from the very beginning 'till conclusion and it really gives hope to those burdened like myself. I was just visited by the collection agency at home and they're not that arrogant as what the other's had experienced though they cannot stand the mid-day heat of the sun because i don't let them in, i just talk with them outside our gate he he he... I just promised to sent their office an email for payment options which I did last Tues April 8 but have not received any reply yet. At least, by reading yours and Bankers blog and forum, I now know how to handle the situation and how to deal with those collection agencies in case they harassed me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Argus for being a blessing to us...
Julz
Thank you too for sharing your thoughts. We just hope we can make people believe that even though our misfortune or mistakes continue to haunt us, that yes, really there is Life After Debt.
ReplyDeleteHi Argus,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a person like you. I just received a missed call then texted me telling me about the trial court arrangement of the card company... I am still dizzy writing this as I browse the RA 8484, luckily I saw this blog.
Hi Argus,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I read your blog entries late, thank you for documenting these. I have, in fact, just gone through another Phone Call episode, and just to let you know: They left an attorney's name, and out of curiosity I called the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to find out if there was another way to contact this person directly. Turns out he is registered all the way in Leyte! I chanced on the attorney's real law office contact online (if the name's accurate) and gave their office a call, and the amiable secretary who answered, Rea, said no one had called out that day. Gee, I wonder who that was then? ;)
My wife and I are slowly getting back on our feet from lots of harrowing debt, and I'm happy to let you know that we should be in the clear by this time next year.
God bless!
Hi Jego,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you and your wife are slowly but surely getting over this hump. Great to see you've done some sleuthing on your own. Sometimes what's harrowing is not the size of your debt, but the fact that they try to make you out for a fool because you have debt.
God Bless.
Regards to the wifey.
Hi AG,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for a very informative and enlighting blog and answers to my questions too. I'm a CC holder also of 4 cards,unfortunately due to some unnecessary circumstances to my work my monthly payment to card company's had been stopped and I got sick by those early months.
Those small amounts of figures after 2 mos. turn out to a HUGE figures already w/c I can't afford anymore to pay. They keep on contacting me - some are harassing me on phone - collecting agency. Told them in time that am able I will settle those liabilities but they're forcing me to pay those huge amount. Up to now they keep on sending me demand letters at my office add and brother's home and my brother we're alarmed and fear to those letters from law offices.
These problem was brought up to the family and parents, and they're so worried already for me. Though I told and explained to them that I won't be put on jail 'coz I don't have criminal case.
Today whilst am writing this - I just received a demand letter w/ content very similar to the posted sample here at site. I check what is RA 8484 in the net and saw answers to my questions. Again thanks so much for helping us not to be worried enough on this credit card 'coz I felt fear,sad upon receiving this demand letter from a certain law office here at Mla.
More power to you! And GOD Bless you more for sharing this site to us.
worried Centaur
To Worried Centaur,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
It is annoying and sometimes downright embarrassing when the thing we'd rather keep to ourselves become a hot topic around the family dinner table. Maybe you could ask your brother to read these articles especially those comments from other readers like you. In this way, he'll get the picture that you ain't got the worst case, that it's fairly common and that the situation can be managed.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those good payer turned bad becoz i lost my job 4yrs ago and can't pay anymore. BUt things got a little better lately and got my self a job. I was told by a friend in the having the same problem to just forget about the it. But recently it turned up again, started calling me again got a new letter with options and demands. My question is can i just call the bank and not interact with the collecting agency? Can i pay directly to the bank and not give this guys a call? Can they call my present bank freeze my account if ever? thanks.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteYou can try calling the bank to see if they can still process your account. Else, they will refer you to the collection agency.
To freeze your bank account, they would need a court order.
Thank you for answering my question. I still get nervous sometimes.. :)
ReplyDeletehanee
Hi Hanee,
ReplyDeleteBeing nervous sometimes is a good thing. Won't make you that eager to charge-it to your credit card just because you can.
Sweet name. :)
Thanks so much for this blog. Like any others here, I have been unable to pay off my card for 2 months now since my father lost his job. I am earning a decent salary but I can't let my family not eat just because of cc debt. I called up Citibank to req for payment arrangement but they said that they do not have that. :( Anyway,you've given me at least hope that I can get past this. Thanks.
ReplyDeletecredit card industry lured us to golden road but quick sand underneath..no one can resist its power..just like the devil..it promotes a character in us of being eager to get things and experiences we all dream of before we could even earn it...it aims to place us earners at level with poverty stricken kababayan and it hurts our ego cos we worked hard to be an earner just to become no different from an alms seeker. The credit card industry must be totally banned in our country. It is the new manyana habit of being successful. TOTAL BAN FOR CREDIT CARD INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES...and you'll see how rich each Filipino can become from being frugal...sad, but i too was trapped by it..but as we all survive this, work must be done to stop this evil..TOTAL BAN FOR CREDIT CARD INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES
ReplyDeleteHi LuthorWayne,
ReplyDeleteYou're right. The devil used the same ploy in the Garden of Eden. Back then it was - "just bite...". For us now, it's - "just swipe...". And just when you max-out your first card, the next one arrives pre-approved, and all you had to do was - "just call...".
Evil lurks.
AG
AG,
ReplyDeletethanks for creating a blog like this. I'm really relieved to know that I'm not alone. I'm experiencing all the harassment through call, office/house visit, calling me fr. house-to office - to my cp. I'm thinking sometimes in ending my life. I know God allowed me to see this site to enlighten me. We are not some criminals that murder people right? But can't they not harass us like that coz its really giving me trauma. My mother is very anxious about it. It nice to know also that I can still work abroad without any hassle from them. I intend to work abroad so I can settle them as soon as possible. Keep up the good work and thanks again. I can deal with them now.
hi.i just finished a conversation with a collector just an hour ago.they visited me last week but unfortunately/fortunately i wasn't in the house.they told my tita that they would be back d following week.and now i received this call that they will file the case and will close/padlock the house if i dont pay today.can they really do that? and they also said that nbi and pnp. im so worried. how many times can they house visit.thanks...
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThey cannot really file the case today and padlock your house the same day. It's not a crime scene. They're just acting. And you watch too much TV.
Give them hopia or something when they come back. (no need to let them in.)
If they say PNP, NBI, EFG, XYZ. Then give them more hopia.
They can visit your house as many times as they want.
If that's the case, stop giving them hopia.
You may also want to read my Wednesday, Aug 6, 2008 reply to a sender in Credit Card Woes - The Letter
Everything's ok. Hi to your Aunt!
AG
You're ideas were such a big help to people like me!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, i'm experiencing of all of these woes you've mentioned...and it was such a relief to learn from you....
Now i don't have to worry because i have no plan to move out of my place which happens to be my ancestral home...
Thanks a lot!
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThat's right, stay where you are, 'cause that's exactly the reason any 8484 case against you won't prosper.
With RA 8484, home is the best place you can be.
Thanks for the comment.
AG
Hi AG,
ReplyDeleteyour such a wonderful help...right now my hands are still shaking, shaking bcoz of nervousness from this people. they succeed for making me feel really scared and stupid. of course nobody wants to be in debt like this and of course evrybody wants to settle obligation as much as they can. nobody wants this...this really makes me feel suicidal. I just pray that i can cope up with this..anyway we are just talking about money,,,and what is money??? its just a paper!!!..huh,i am just trying to relax, but that is the most difficult. I just have one question,what if they already file a case against me but they send the letter to our office but am not anymore employed there. Is it possible that i can be sued without even knowing it though they know my home adress?? I have 3 cards, the bigest credit limit i have is 40k, are they really gonna waste their time and money for filing a case for this amount? I am willing to settle this but not at the moment coz i dont have... hoping to hear from u soon...thnks a lot.
rgds
lestat
Hi Lestat,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late reply.
If ever a case is filed against you, you will have to be notified first before it can move forward.
Read the letters from all the others. You'll feel better. ;)
AG
Hi AG,
ReplyDeleteThank you Argus sa mga comments and advice mo.. nakakarelax pag gantong stress ka sa mga collector.. May naiwanan kasi ako ng unsettled account sa CC ko sa UAE, kkauwi ko lang this june.. and this month nakakreceive na ako ng twag sa demanding for a full payment.. may letter na rin nareceive ung father ko and mentioning ung RA8484 at ang mga pananakut na alam mo na..
AG applicable ba sa akin ung RA8484 since ung default ko naman eh sa dubai bank at hindi sa pilipinas..? pwede ba nila ako kasuhan o need ko pumunta pa ng dubai para dun nila kasuahan.. pero alam ko wala nmang extradition ang UAE and philippines diba..?
Thanks..
Hi Eloisa,
ReplyDeleteRA 8484 is a Philippine law so it can only be enforced and prosecuted here.
It might bring you some comfort though to know that Dubai recently announced that it would also be defaulting on its loans to foreign banks. But of course they'll get bailed out, while you will have to find your own way out.
Regards to your Dad who's receiving all those calls.
Happy Holidays!
AG
Hi Argus,
ReplyDeleteHave a follow-up question. I already signed a document with citibank for payment assistance. if i can no longer pay, will they have the reason to file a civil against me?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThe reason to file a case against you has always been there and will always be as long as you have that debt. Though the possibility that they would, is still dependent on the price of recovery being cost-effective.
AG
hi ag,
ReplyDeleteis there a certain amount in cc debt that they could take me to court?one of my cc has a credit limit of 100k,and i have 5....the other day i received a small pc of paper from a stranger saying i have too appear sa barangay hall...written in pen my name address,the fiscal name which is in quezon city and im from cagayan de oro...written at the back for filing of case in court for estafa...which i havent even paid by check any of my cc bills...can they do this?interogate me at barangay hall?
cinderilla
can the collecting agency request me or summon me sa barangay hall for cc debt?i have 100k cc limit.can they take me to court if this big..i have 5 cc with this limit...
ReplyDeletecinderilla
Hi Cinderilla,
ReplyDeleteThey want you scared, embarrassed so they invite you to the baranggay instead of going to your place. This tactic also makes you ready to agree to anything.
No need to panic. But you need to stop enjoying your 500k credit line. It's starting to give you hell.
AG
what a great blog you have. its very informative and it elucidated all my woes regarding my cc queries. i have worked abroad, moved back home and im still getting these demand letters. thats why i know everything you posted here is so true! i lived my life and im not behind bars so to speak... and although i originally planned on paying my bills, i have come to a point i somehow dont want to pay anymore. not because i am confident that these people cant do anything about it, but because they dont know how to ask me nicely =) good job with the blog and more power man. youre awesome.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a helpful blog! Thanks so much for this. I'm currently swimming in debt (not that it's all because of my own doing and lifestyle) and I'm slowly paying them up. I think my bill totaled to almost 300k (including my parent's medical expenses) and as much as I tried talking to the banks for an optional way to pay, they just won't budge.
ReplyDeleteI was in the verge of panic and am thinking about how my senior citizen parents would react if they hear about my debt. Your blog is super helpful.
More power!
Hi! I too have a cc and have not paid for more than 3 mos now. I am now in another country but my husband is still in the Philippines. I left the country without any purpose of getting away from my debt more than 100k but I still don't have the money to do so. Will the bank file a case against me and will they be able to reach me abroad. My husband have been receiving their letters and have talked to them but I still don't have the means. Pls help me, I'm so worried. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDelete1. Will the bank file a case against me..
AG: Highly unlikely and as you said, they can contact your husband.
2. ... and will they be able to reach me abroad.
AG: They would have to hire a collection agency local to the country you are in. Again, highly unlikely.
Regards,
AG
Der Argus,
ReplyDeleteMy huband just told me that ****bank just send him a letter stating that he has to pay my debts or else everything...furnitures,cars etc will be taken from us and that they are suing him. I got so worried when I heard this and my husband wanted to sell a small piece of land that he was suppose to inherit. I don't know what to do. I am the same anonymous above. Thanks
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteBefore you start selling anything, it's better for you guys to calm down a bit first.
The letter may be the scariest you have read so far but since we've all read those kinds of letters before, we understand how you feel.
I'm not saying don't pay your debt, but before making big hasty decisions, just think of these:
1. IF EVER they file a case against you, this would be a civil case. A civil case just for the 'Collection of a sum of money'. It would not be a criminal case. So don't be rattled when you hear 'jail' or 'arrest' or 'watchlist' or 'NBI'.
And them filing any kind of case is highly unlikely for a credit card that you say is yours, and for something you say is less than 200k.
2. Don't panic when you hear, 'pay now', 'immediately', 'in 5 days', followed with 'OR ELSE'. It's an impossible condition to meet especially for ordinary folks. If you are ordinary folk, don't even try.
3. Filing a case against you doesn't give them the right on the next day to get your furniture, cars, shoes, and socks.
Happy Holidays,
AG
theres a certain A$$-hole who called our house and threatens my family to settle my credit card bills. ive been paying consistenly since 10 yrs and just these 3 years ago due to financial problem, i only have been paying the minimum amount due and sometimes less than the minimum. i was unable pay my nov and december2011 bills. now, these collectors harassed my parents and my wife. shouting, rude bad words to my parents who are very old folks. theres another who went to our house and left a number.
ReplyDeletei am jobless now and i was out when they went to our house. im now waiting for them to come back and intend to let them in my house and shoot them! and just put an unlicensed gun over his hand and tell the police that they pointed a gun to my parents face so i shot them. what do u suggest AG? lets put an end to mr. fiscal lim? thanks!
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThat's a thought!
I felt exactly the same way and I believe all the rest of us did when we were on their sights.
We all just have to control ourselves and not let the situation get any worse than it actually is.
AG
Hi Argus,
ReplyDeletePlease enlighten me on my problem with unsecured credit. Permanent resident dito sa Singapore family ko with myself as the main sponsor.I used to be a very good payer, settling all my balance every payday. Unfortunately, kasabay ng pagtaas ng CPF( central provident fund) contibution ko at ng asawa ko ay tumaas din ang rent, school fees at daily cost of living namin dito sa SG. Kaya as of now minimum payment na lang talaga nababayaran ko sa credit cards at loans ko. I have 6 cc's and 2 personal loans. Medyo nagamit namin kasi every year pag visit sa PH for airfare at gastos sa Pinas thinking na hindi magbabago ang gastos at baka di masyadong tumaas ang rent. Sa rent talaga kami nabibigatan kasi halos Php 100,000 every month which is sahod ko buong buwan. Yung sa asawa ko na lang panggastos namin.
Kaya, I planned to go home na lang kami sa Pinas by next year at magbusiness na lang using the money sa CPF( provident fund) na makukuha namin. As of now, total owing is around SGD20K equivalent to PHP700k total approximately sa 6 cc's and 2 loans . If uwi na lang yung family ko sa Pinas, may tendency ba na susundan nila kami kahit ung address ng mom ko hindi na sya dun nakatira? I planned to tell them my case pero baka kasi madamay mga anak ko at hindi kami makaalis. I read different blogs and sites discussing the same issue. Pwede naman daw makuha ung fund without the banks knowledge at they cant run after you naman daw when you leave SG. Pero, can the bak still sue me even nasa Pinas na ako? Is this possible?
Gustohin ko man sanang maclear lahat before kami aalis dito pero sa tingin ko sa current economy medyo mahirapan akong makabayad sa lahat. I planned to pay pa rin naman for one year pa cguro the minimum payment and intend not to use it anymore nama. Pero sa calculation ko may malaki pa ring amount na maiiiwan kasi. Please enlighten me.
DESPERATE WIFE
Cont...
ReplyDeleteAlso, may possibility kaya na pwede akong ipaextradite ng any of those banks from PH back here sa SG? I really hope I can pay most of the amount I owed before turning my back dito pero sa tingin ko may matitira talagang malaking amount. Salamat po uli.
DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE
hello argus! natatakot po ako regarding my unpaid credit card bills.. nagpadala na po kasi sa aken ng letter ang isang lawfirm na ihahabla daw nila ako. sa sobrang stressed ko po, naglabasan na po allergies ko at muntik na po ako maospital. wala po ako means sa ngayon na magbayad, maliit lang po ang sweldo ko as a nurse. gustuhin ko man po bayaran ng buo yung credit card ko, wala po talaga akong pambayad. before po nung nakakausap ko pa sila sa phone, nagrequest po ako ng staggard payment na mas mababa sa inoofer nila, di naman po nila tinanggap kaya simula po noon di ko na sila kinausap. please give me advise po.
ReplyDelete- allergic reaction
Hi Allergic Reaction,
DeleteKindly take the time to read some of the comments/replies from the credit card series.
You'll see your case is not any different.
You're stressing out yourself too much.
sir same problem im encountering with psbank. papakulong na daw nila ako, i read everything here and parang bakit nakakatakot pa din ang mga sinasabi nila??? please help
ReplyDeletescared man
Hi scared man,
DeleteAll I can say is, it's like getting circumcised. Even if a lot of your friends would say - ' you're not gonna die ' - it's still that scary when your turn comes.
You're probably scared because you've been given a deadline. And the message is - ' this is your last chance, pay us or you go to jail '.
As the law says, there's no jail time for being in debt. So if they're lying about that, they're also lying about that deadline. Now how can you believe anything else they're saying?
But I guess you'll have to live through the deadline first before you understand.
AG
Ag i need your advise i owe bpi cc 245k but originally its 145k now after receiving a few demand letter and a call from the law firm i received a sobpuena from makati rtc civil case colection of sum of money and asking me to amswe or file an answer 15 days after receiving it my wife did not signed anything that she received it and it was dekivered sunday by an unknown rider which in fact just wearing a short and a.shirt my question is if in case i will file any answer and court affirmed that i owe the bank will they have tbe capacity to issue a writ of execution considering the fact that there is no asset or properties named after me in factni was not able to settlenmy cc coz i was not able to work back abroad is there a possibility for them to shownin front of my fathers hoise with a sheriff and wil.sequester my apliances even if the properties was.named after my father and i am just living them? Please help
ReplyDeleteano n po ngyari s case nyo?
Deletegood day argus,,, ask ko lng po i have cc pero supplementary lng po ako ung sister ko po ang primary holder,, but all of the transactions was under my card hindi n po kse ginagamit ng ate ko ung card niya.. then now my credit reaches to 100k.. my last payment was june 2013 hindi ko n po mabayadan after that.. my sister worked abroad wla p po sha alam s mga utang ko.. sa tingin niyo po ba pwede ko i ignore mga demand letter and collecting agents in the future since nasa saudi nman po ung primary holder?... thank u chanda08
ReplyDeleteHi Argus!
ReplyDeleteHope you can enlighten me on my problem!
I have the quite the same dilemna. But mine is non-payment of credit card in UAE (Dubai). After more than 3 years of working in Dubai, I lost my job so I decided to go home (Philippines) in 2011. I have left my credit card unpaid.
Recently, according to my family, a kagawad in our barangay came looking for me and informed my family that a person called them informing them about my credit card debt.
So I asked my parents to give my number to whoever called. I was contacted by a secretary of a collection agency and asked me to pay my credit card debt.
They are saying they will send demand letters to my parents and I told them they cannot do that since I was the one who has the debt and not my parents.
They sent me an SMS informing me I have to pay less than 90000 pesos. And sent an email as well and I quote from the letter, "FINAL DEMAND is hereby given to you to pay in full your unpaid account within five (5) days from receipt hereof. Otherwise, our client shall be constrained to file the necessary criminal/civil case in the courts of United Arab Emirates (UAE) which may lead to penalty of imprisonment, as the case may be, as you have submitted to the laws of the non-exclusive jurisdiction of UAE."
Do they have legal grounds to prosecute me here in the Philippines under Philippine Law? What worse could happen since I am not capable of paying that huge amount?
Thanks and God bless!
Hi,
DeleteYes they can file a case against you here.
Doubtful though that it will prosper as your 'offense' was in the UAE.
The worst that could happen is you may not be able to return to the UAE without suffering the consequences of your 'offense'. (Jail time included.)
Here you could get the usual harassing calls and visits from the collection agencies as you already experienced. But that's it.
sir argus, meronpong dumating n demand letter sa wife ko, same lang po ng sample na demand letter nyo dito sa blog nyo, ang differnce lang po may ganito na nakalagay "Collection of sum of money under the rule on "small calims cases"..." ano po ibig sabihin nito? same lang po ba ito sa sample letter nyo o nilalagyan lang nila ng ibang detlaye yung letter??? thank u
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteThe letter just mentioned the 'new' court procedure on 'small claims' cases.
By small claims, they mean those below P100,000.00.
But you don't need to worry too much about it because the rules of court tend to be more favorable to those with credit card debt.
Also why collection agencies don't usually carry on with their threat to file such cases.
AG
Thanks so much for this blog. Question i have a bad credit with BDO Credit card and i maintained an Amexco Card..which i am a good payer..is this the reason why they still bothering me with my previous unpaid card?..do i need to cancel my amexco card since this is also with UNIBANK/BDO? - j.a.
DeleteHi j.a.,
DeleteNo need to do anything.
AG
Hi AG,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the series of blog entries regarding Credit Cards. Admittedly, I have used my credit cards (the only 2 that I have) without thinking before. Although, small purchases, I was overwhelmed when I was still single. I was able to pay all my debt util I left my family's home to live on my own. It was then I had difficulty making ends meet.
May I know however if it is a good idea to meet the Collections Officer for an agreement? I tried calling the bank but they said my account has already been endorsed. In good faith, I am willing to settle my obligations but will need more time to do so. My salary is constant and I trust I will be able to pay the bank within a short period of time. However, the Collection Officer is making threats to make the payment as soon as possible.
I hope for your advice on the best approach on this matter.
Thank you,
MU
Hi Crazy Beautiful,
DeleteThe way you wrote your letter suggest that you're a reasonable person. So, you don't deserve to be threatened nor scared into submission for you to pay your debt.
My point is, you would know when a reasonable payment scheme comes your way. Until then, just save up and let those threats slide.
No need to meet up.
AG
Hi AG,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prompt response. I do feel the same with most who have posted in your blog -- scared, anxious, embarrassed. But, just the same, let me share my recent experience and how I have dealt with my Collections Officer to ease whoever is going through the same thing.
As some of you may know or have experienced, Collections Officers will go out of their way just to earn their buck/salary/commission even if it means embarrassing the cardholder (or themselves). It started with her being polite and respectful, I, too, kept my calm and continued to be amicable with her while I requested for possible payment terms with my outstanding balances.
With the unexpected Holiday expenses, sky-high taxi fees due to the horrible traffic during this season, increased prices in grocery items, and the whopping increase in our electricity bill due to the company's advise (and not due to our consumption), I was unable to make the minimum payment required for this month. With this, I advised my Collections Officer but then she started being irate yesterday and today --- in addition to being disrespectul saying I was a lowly underpaid employee who cannot commit to my financial obligations and was not paying attention to her requests. She, just the same with almost everyone here, told me that she will just see me in court with their lawyer.
I continued to keep my cool and I think this p*ssed her off since I did not express any urgency to make the payment being requested by her. How could I at the moment when I only have enough to get me through until payday? She refused to give me the name of their lawyer whenever I asked and reverted to ask me questions and continued berating with all these collection "lies" and tactics. Until she gave in to the amount I can possibly pay which was below her initial requirement.
I showed to her that I was willing to make continuous payments, albeit in small amounts, following the "slowly but surely" rule. I also pointed out that either way she will still receive a commission no matter how much she collects from all her clients (rather haters).
I am not running from my debt nor am I in hiding from my Collections Officer. But, I learned to keep my cool especially if one is going crazy already (in this case, it was her) and seems like we have agreed upon something positive. She kept her cool after our agreement.
I have learned my lesson with all this and have already punched holes into my credit cards so I may no longer use them.
But, then again, these Collections Officers should not push you over the edge. It's not healthy and does not do any good for the both of you. So, keep calm and move on is the goal for now. :)
Thank you, once again, AG, for all the advise, and for everyone else going through the same thing. You have lifted me up through this time of berating and disrespecting.
Besides, it's the Holidays, let's all smile for now and keep those Collections Officers frowning.
Best, Crazy Beautiful
Hi Mr. Argus!
ReplyDeleteThanks sa blog mo.. I was surfing the net about this "demand letter" from CC collection agency & I'm glad I found ur blogsite... But pls bear w/ me, I need to attend to my newborn baby so I have not enough time to read all the comments for now... Let me just ask the following questions please:
1) My credit balance (accdg to my BDO cc statement last Feb 6, 2013) was 67k only -- DUE IMMEDIATELY since my last payment was Nov 2013. However, to my surprise, I received a demand letter this morning from ENZI Corporation (BDO colection agency based in Davao City), informing me of my cc outstanding balance amounting to 84k!!! When I calculated, 25% was added to my original outstanding balance of 67k based on BDO cc statement acct! Is this valid? Are they entitled to add 25% to my existing balance?
2) Is it ok if I just pay any amount per month direct to BDO until I pay off my 67k balance & ignore/not negotiate w/ ENZI collection agency?
3) Do I have to pay the original 67k or the 84k demanded by ENZI?
Thanks. Hope u still find time to visit & answer comments from ur blogs..we need people like you who I think has the heart to help & understand us best..
Regards,
Nursing Mom
Hello Argus,
ReplyDeleteI have read all you blogs, i admitted I over used my 4CC (BDO, MBTC, RCBC and Citibank)..sabay sabay duamting ang CC ko, ung iba duamting nlang ng hndi ako ngaapply.. nababayaran ko sya before ng maayos..pero nung ngtransfer nq sa Laguna lht din un di na nabayadan, and I admit dn na I cant afford na to pay them, isa sa reason is dhil masyad na malaki, after 2 mos na di ko nbayadan,..ung Credit amount used ko..1 time payment nlang dw specially my BDO...lhat din cla ng papadala na ng mga demand letter, and wori ko bka pati family ko amdamay sa kapabayaan ko.. I tried na mgsettle in stagard payment pero ms malaki pa pumapatong na interest kesa sa binabayadan ko..anu po kya pde ko gawin? More power!
Hi Argus,
ReplyDelete(1) You have a very long blog of comments from credit card defaulters. I wonder why you have not brought up the issue of filing for individual bankruptcy? There is an Individual Bankruptcy Law here in the Philippines, right? When a judge has declared you as Bankrupt, then banks and collection agencies will now be legally compelled to wipe out your entire debt and drop all civil case against you related to your debts. How come Individual Bankruptcy is seldom discussed here, unlike in the United States were people know they can file for bankruptcy? Here in the Philippines, and based on the comments posted in your blog, it appears Filipinos have no idea that they can file for Individual Bankruptcy ??
(2) In one response you made in a previous comment, you said the Court Sheriff as ordered by the Court, can go to your house and sequester your properties. The question is, what if you are living together as a large family and siblings ?? You said even the Apple iPhone you are using can be sequestered. But how can the Court Sheriff determine if such property indeed belongs to you ??? Appliances do not have any deed or title where your name is legally written as the owner, so how can you sequester such properties ??? Wrongfully sequestering a property is criminal robbery.
I believe a Court Sheriff can only go after properties with legal titles or deeds, for example House and Lot, or a Car. But definitely not your Samsung television.
And also, what if you are living with your parents and your House and Lot is legally owned by your parents? I don't think the Court can grab property that belongs to your immediate family. A property MUST be under your own name for it to qualify for sequestration. Am i correct ??
Thanks - Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Delete1. You're right.. 'unlike in the United States'. Most Filipinos live from payday to payday, and most already feel bankrupt and most institutions are aware of that, so there's absolutely no need for any legal testament that one is indeed bankrupt.
2. Yes you are correct. I'm sorry if my response is sometimes vague. But regarding the iPhone issue, I think I just used it as an analogy for one reader's reaction that implied that one can't really get away with it. So I replied to the effect that if it was him who lent somebody some money and the borrower keeps saying he doesn't have money to pay and yet knows the borrower owns an iPhone... What my ultimate point was, one should make the effort to pay and not make up excuses just to get away with it. And that if really there is no way you can afford to pay then just be honest about it and not be afraid of the collector's threats.
AG
Hi Argus, thank you for your response.
DeleteI have researched Republic Act 10142 as applied in the Philippines. It says that bankrupt individuals who have debts in excess of 500k pesos, can ask the court to discharge the debts and dismiss all civil lawsuits related to these debts, by filing a petition for bankruptcy.
I think this is a perfect solution for people whose debts have ballooned into scandalous proportions because of interests and late fees being added by credit card companies every month that the account remains unpaid.
This will make credit card companies think twice of adding more charges to a delinquent account. Because if ever the cardholder accumulates so much debt, he could simply file for bankruptcy under Republic Act 10142, and the credit card company will get nothing.
-Daniel
Thanks for the help.MORE POWER.GOD BLESS
ReplyDeleteThanks for the help.
ReplyDeleteHi AG,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find a similar question to this in the blogs I have read. Someone called saying he is from the trial court asking for my address as they will be sending a subpoena from a case filed by the Bank Association of the Phils Can that entity file a case against a delinquent credit card holder?
Hi,
DeleteI don't think so. What I know is they have a database of accounts that are under litigation among other information they keep. But even if they did file the case (unlikely), wouldn't you rather get the subpoena so you could deal with it?
But then the caller and his information does sound fishy.
AG
Last year, my immediate superior received a phone call at 7:30 AM from someone. This someone claimed that he is the head of an online newspaper (forgot the name) and telling her that if I don't settle my debt they will publish the name of the company together with my name. My boss was surprised and called my attention that morning, I was so scared and I don't know what to do. My boss gave me a number and told me to settle it as soon as able. So what I did, I checked the name of this someone online, checked the online newspaper that he said, and then called him. At first, he was really mad at me and told me that I should settle the debt and threatening me that he will publish my name and the company, so I told him that he doesn't need to shout nor scream on the phone and I questioned his identity and told him that he is harassing me and I might lose my job for what he did, and that WHAT HE IS DOING IS ILLEGAL. Then he dropped the call. So I called him again, a girl answered the phone this time, she sounded like his secretary. I heard him said (at back) that he doesn't want to talk to me and that she should better speak to me and tell me that their decision to publish my name and my company is final and then, they dropped the phone again. So I called him again, I demanded to speak to him but to no avail. And I called again, but they blocked my number. After sometime, I called again using other number, the phone rang and after 4-5 rings, an old lady with accent answered the phone, I heard on the background that she called his son, and heard him talking to a boy buying candy and sigarilyo from their sari-sari store. After sometime, she shouted to his son again and told him to answer the phone, then his son asked her who is in the phone and she answered she didn't know. After few more seconds, his son picked up the phone and talked to me. I told him that I am looking for this "someone" and he told me that I got the wrong number. But guess what? The old lady's son and this "someone' voice is just the same. How would I forget his voice? I won't forget. I knew that they're the same.
ReplyDeleteIt is really frustrating to receive calls for just 12K debt from CC. I know that I was delinquent but we should not be harassed and they should not put us on stake, on my part that was my job. If I lose my job, how would I be able to pay them? My 12K credit card unpaid billed ballooned to 36K in less than 6 months, how will I be able to pay that if my immediate superior reported this to the management. They threatened me and the name of the company. For what he did, I decided to harass him too by calling him and telling him that I will report him for what he did so he blocked my numbers and didn't even bother to call me nor text me again.
And since I don't want him to benefit from anything, I did not settle my balance. I've waited for another 3 months and called directly to the bank and settled my remaining balance. Why 3 months, I've learned that banks do rostering of accounts to their accredited collection firms every other 3 months. :)
Sorry, found wrong grammar. Forgive it. I can't edit it anymore. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteFascinating story. Thank you for sharing. They keep doing the scare and embarrass tactic because I guess it works 90% of the time.
Again, thanks.
AG
i have been a credit card user sometime 1995. i wasn't able to pay my dues for some financial reasons. Just this october 2014, i received a a demand letter from a certain law firm that they will be filing a civil case against me. It is almost 20yrs since I wasn't able to settle my account. I read somewhere that it takes 7years for the credit record to fade or possibly between 3-10yrs. is it true? how come the cc company sent a demand letter after almost 20yrs. thanks. please advise.
ReplyDeletequeeny
Hi queeny,
DeleteIf you haven't been sent a demand letter since 1995 then I guess you may safely ignore that letter. They should have made a demand within 10 years of your delinquency.
AG
Hi AG, i just saw your blog about the worries of cc debts. I too am in the same dilemma. I have unpaid cc debts since 2005 and have moved to another country. But each time i want to visit my family back home, i always have this fear of getting arrested or not be able to go out of the country again. I have not followed up anymore the status of my cc debts whether i already have a pending case or subpoena or a court decision. I have not received anything or probably they sent the notices to the address of the apartment i was renting before or to my previous employer. But nothing had been forwarded to me.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that i have a court decision by now after 10yrs of default? Is it possible that i could get arrested or will not be allowed to leave the country anymore? I was able to acquire a foreign citizenship and is using a foreign passport but my name stays the same. Will it be possble that collecting agencies continue to harass even after 10yrs of outstanding bills?
I am thinking of contacting the banks but i still dont have the guts because of fear. I got traumatized with all the harassments i experienced before. One day i will pay for my debts but im still saving for it.
Please enlighten me about all my queries. Im deep worried now as u would like to visit my family soon.
Thank you very much.
WorriedToDeath
Hello.
ReplyDeletekpag nasa recovery dept na po ba ang cc balance ko ano po ibig sabihin nun? gusto ko kc isettle sa bank directly pero sabi nasa recovery dept. na po
thanks,
mr.B
Hi Mr. B,
DeleteThat would be the bank's bad debts department. But with collecting payments for these though, they could have an in-house collection department or outsource those functions to collection agencies. Either way just ask for a number or person you can communicate with in the recovery department. Or if you can take it, just wait for those calls and letters.
AG
I have received a text that there will be a writ of execution with sheriff going to our house on April 22,2016.But i am not aware of any civil case or any cases filed against me.please help on what should i do.
ReplyDeleteHi argus,
ReplyDeleteI am currently communicating with the collection agency right now. And they're offering me an amount that I think I can settle.
Now, I would like to ask if how would I ensure that this settlement agreement is valid and they will not ask for another amount from me?
Second, I have heard that there are records on person with default credit card accounts on CIC (credit bureau) will they appear as paid?
AM
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThey were able to contact me in Dubai hahah. Kalurki. I will be paying them monthly. I just hope they stop calling me in the office. Nagtataka lang ako saan nila kaya nakuha yung number ko dito sa Dubai? By the way, this is the person who keeps on bugging me:
Liza Valencia,
Senior Legal Officer
SP Madrid and Associates Law Firm
Tel no: (02) 717-5220/(02) 8657803 local 5492
Fax no: (02) 892-5034
Smart: 09998856467/ Globe: 09178649447/ Sun: 09257453862
Fax no: (02) 892-5034
Smart: 09989609389/ Globe: 09178649447/ Sun: 09257453862
spmlit@spmadridlaw.com
Unit 1911 Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino St., corner Valero St., Makati City Philippines 1226
They pry on your Linkedin, fb and even your 2nd degree connections, thru viewing your profile and whereabouts. All they do is sit in their desks and google every defaulters bit of contact information.
DeleteThis is the same law firm that harassing me right now. Do they really file a case po? I am scared po
DeleteHi Sir,
ReplyDeleteI have problem with loans, not creditcard its Chinatrust Salary Stretch loan. i tried to settle this 7years ago but the problem is CTBC told me to settle this matter with another firm, the collecting firm which holding my account now. After many years did not hear from them and recently they called and asking me to pay 230k for an unpaid of less than 20k. they were threatening me to file a case.
Please do give some advice on what to do, as currently after all the horror experiences ive had with them before i tried to reply the text and calls more agressively saying that the harrasment and the shameful acts youve done to me teach me how to disrespect your demands and to fight you.
Many thank.
btw im andrew.. thanks
DeleteHi! I have the same case with you. I do not have the means to pay my loan with ctbc as I am currently jobless right now. Did the collecting agency filed a case? They are threatening me that they will publish my name at any newspaper for Estafa. That they will file a case regarding art 8484. Please if you just can give me an update with your case. Thanks!
DeleteHi po.ask ko lang po sana kasi nagtwag po mama ko na nagtext daw po tita ko n currently working sa barangay na may tumwag daw po sa knila na may kaso daw po ako. Article 318 deciet tantamount to swendling case. Anu po kaya eto? Kasi may binigay po n no. Na spo2 ganyan n twagan ko daw po at hihingi ng statement regarding sa case.. syempre natakot po ako. Tinawagan ko agad tapos po nun nakausap ko na po un spo2 dela cruz tinatanong ko po kung anu un kaso n sinasabi ang sagot po nila saken eh dapat alam ko daw po un.. tapos sabi nia po eh twagan ko daw po un atty chavez tapos ang sabi po sken nun atty natalo daw po ako sa kaso nun complainant tapos sabi nia twagan ko daw po un atty evelyn.. nun kausap ko po nalaman ko un sa cc ko.. na 2014 eastwest cc ginamit ko po xa.. pero 3 mos po nun advance pa ko magbayad .. after n may dumating po saken n cc bills n may mga charges na d ko naman ginamit kaya nagreport po agad ako sa eastwest bank sabi ko d ko bbyadan un mga charges n un kasi d ko ginamit.. after dat pinagawa nila ako ng letter of dispute sabi ko iclear muna nila kasi d po ako ttakas s obligation ko kaso wala pong feedback n bumalik sken n about dun sa nireklamo ko sa knila.. tapos sabi po ng atty evelyn n pinakausap sken nun pulis n twagan ko daw po e pupunta n daw po mga pulis dito bukas 4pm.. is it possible if i go to jail? What will i do? Sino ang dapat kausapin? Ty po
ReplyDeleteHi po.ask ko lang po sana kasi nagtwag po mama ko na nagtext daw po tita ko n currently working sa barangay na may tumwag daw po sa knila na may kaso daw po ako. Article 318 deciet tantamount to swendling case. Anu po kaya eto? Kasi may binigay po n no. Na spo2 ganyan n twagan ko daw po at hihingi ng statement regarding sa case.. syempre natakot po ako. Tinawagan ko agad tapos po nun nakausap ko na po un spo2 dela cruz tinatanong ko po kung anu un kaso n sinasabi ang sagot po nila saken eh dapat alam ko daw po un.. tapos sabi nia po eh twagan ko daw po un atty chavez tapos ang sabi po sken nun atty natalo daw po ako sa kaso nun complainant tapos sabi nia twagan ko daw po un atty evelyn.. nun kausap ko po nalaman ko un sa cc ko.. na 2014 eastwest cc ginamit ko po xa.. pero 3 mos po nun advance pa ko magbayad .. after n may dumating po saken n cc bills n may mga charges na d ko naman ginamit kaya nagreport po agad ako sa eastwest bank sabi ko d ko bbyadan un mga charges n un kasi d ko ginamit.. after dat pinagawa nila ako ng letter of dispute sabi ko iclear muna nila kasi d po ako ttakas s obligation ko kaso wala pong feedback n bumalik sken n about dun sa nireklamo ko sa knila.. tapos sabi po ng atty evelyn n pinakausap sken nun pulis n twagan ko daw po e pupunta n daw po mga pulis dito bukas 4pm.. is it possible if i go to jail? What will i do? Sino ang dapat kausapin? Ty po
ReplyDeletelahat nman po ng pananakot e gagawin nila....mga kolekting agent na yan minsan pulis minsan atty...haha....ngaun kung talgang kakasuhan ka nila e antayin mo ang sulat mo na galing sa MTC (municipal trial court) legit na kaso yan...pero kung wala nman....e d walang kaso....
DeleteHi, im Astrid. I had my cc card from psbank way back 2002, i have an unpaid balance of 35k back then, from the last notice i received from bank, my outstanding balance is 58k. I have been harrased, and my mom was so tired answering call from the collection agent. In the span of 15 years, my account ballooned to 1M. I did my best to entertain the collecting agent, but as far as it goes, they keep changing from this to that law firm or agency, i didnt get reply from the agents i spoke with, either theyve resigned or my account was passed on to all the rest. They cant even provide me a statement of the interests and penalties incurred those years, just demanding me to settle my account or make settlement in 10 days or so. Im in Dubai for visit and I've changed my locations in my social media profiles, nonetheless, its how they stalked me. This Andrea Pablo from SP Madrid Law Firm is a call center agent.
ReplyDeleteKamusta na po? Yung SPMadrid din po na yan ang madalas at sobra po talaga mang harass. Kesyo ginagawa lang po nila trabaho nila. Were you able to settle your debt sa cc?
Deletehi ms astrid kung 15 yrs na yang utang mo....e wala na yan....as per batas pag 10 yrs na e wala na yan....hindi ka na nila pwdeng singilin.....
DeleteGanito po nangyari saken kanina. Totoo po ba ito? Ano pong ginawa ninyo? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi.
ReplyDeleteI have the same situation. I was a good payer before but due to some circumstances, I used the credit card and almost maxed it out. I previously made a settlemet, was able to pay in 6 months or so but I stopped paying my credit card debt due to financial crisis I am in right now. I have been receiving emails from the collection agency or law office (not sure but with same message content) that they would take legal actions like filing for small claims in court because they were not able to contact me anymore. My phone number did change but I have the same email and address.
I have some questions.
1. Will they really file for the court case due to no contact?
2. If not, should I call the bank/collection agency to make settlements? HOWEVER,
3. If I call them but the settlement terms are still impossible for me to make a payment, can I get an amnesty or something?
4. What is the best thing to tell them if it is still impossible for me to make payments due to my financial crisis?
Thank you so much. I hope you could enlighten me.
Hi.
ReplyDeleteI have the same situation. I was a good payer before but due to some circumstances, I used the credit card and almost maxed it out. I previously made a settlemet, was able to pay in 6 months or so but I stopped paying my credit card debt due to financial crisis I am in right now. I have been receiving emails from the collection agency or law office (not sure but with same message content) that they would take legal actions like filing for small claims in court because they were not able to contact me anymore. My phone number did change but I have the same email and address.
I have some questions.
1. Will they really file for the court case due to no contact?
2. If not, should I call the bank/collection agency to make settlements? HOWEVER,
3. If I call them but the settlement terms are still impossible for me to make a payment, can I get an amnesty or something?
4. What is the best thing to tell them if it is still impossible for me to make payments due to my financial crisis?
I have plans in making a payment but I am not able to do it as of this time.
Thank you so much. I hope you could enlighten me.
- RC
Good morning I have the same prob regarding unpaid cc. I stopped paying my cc last quarter of 2018 because may husband got diagnosed with diabetis. Need nya maginsulin ng 2 klase at may maintenance p. Hnd sya makapagtrabaho dahil nahirapan sya masakit mga binti nya. Bgo p un nagababayd ako ng minimum amt due pero parang wlang nangyayari s binayad ko halos s interest lang napunta. S ngaun umabot n s 100k mahigit ang cc ko smanatalang 75k lang ang credit limit ko at alam ko hnd ko un naubos. May mga demand letters sila at may tumatawag n need isettle atleast 35k. Sabi ko dki talaga kaya lalo n ako lang may work at meron n dn akong maintenance s hypertension. Nakiusap ako n kung pwedeng isettle ng pakonti konti at stop n nila interest hnd dw pwede un. Ano po bang worst n pwdeng gawin nila ksi sabi ipa file nila s court at magbabayad ako ng 25% para s atty's fee. Lola Tess
ReplyDeletelahat nman po ng collecting agencies ay gagawin nila lahat ng pananakot pang haharass para lang po matakot ka at magbayad ka.....if i were you since ganyan ginagawa nila sayo e wag mo ng bayaran due to moral damages....besides wala nman pong nakukulong sa utang....mawawala din yan in 10 yrs....besides chinacharge nman yan ng bangko sa insurance nila pag may mga d nabayaran...tas ebebenta lang nila sa mga kolekting agencies ng 3%....kaloka....
DeleteYung mga ngcomment po dito last 2015 pa onwards anu na pong balita sa mga collection agency na nanghharass sa inyo. May nakulong npo ba sa ngcomment dito. Tnx po.
ReplyDeleteHi sir argus ask q lng po if what is the worst case scenario s credit card loan q s bpi worth 200k nde q n po nbyran after few months ng pghuhulog because of some financial difficulties..is it ok for me to ignore phone calls nla?
ReplyDeleteMy question too. Nakakapagod kasi sila at nakakastress balak naman kasing bayaran
DeleteRori
Hi sir the credit card loan that I had is not thru phone call..pmnta po aq s main branch ng bpi and bngyan nla aq ng cheque.ano po pgkakaiba nya s cc loan n wla appearance s bangko?
ReplyDeleteHello Sir Argus
ReplyDeleteI received a letter today, tingin ko demad letter sya. I really plan to pay naman yung cc kaso nga lang nawalan ako ng work at nascam ko. I explained it to them and they keep sending me emails. Minsan nakakapagod na then I saw your blog. My only concern is makakapag file ba sila ng case? Eh nasa 50k lang naman cc limit ko.
SP MADRID po ang law firm daw.
Hopefully mareplyan niyo po ako.
Thank you
-Rori-
same boat.....
ReplyDeletewhat to do....
-She