Bank harrassment!

[jdbower]

Yes, the coffee and the shotgun are more literary than literal, but I'm a bit confused as to this "weakness" thing (honestly so, I'm not trying to pick a fight with you). What does it buy the repo man when the vehicle isn't on the property, never was on the property, and if they do find it you'd want it hauled away anyway because it's not yours? Making the first visit free is fine by me, but I'm of the opinion that if someone acts like they're hiding something they're more likely to be so. A repo man may simply assume everyone's hiding something, but still I don't see how this perceived weakness can help them if the next time you escort them off the property - shotgun or no.

On the other hand this weakness buys you the ability to use the phrase "we've cooperated" in front of a judge and/or jury which has a definite plus and, if the collection agency is reasonable (I know, that may be a stretch), there's a point of evidence that the van isn't there and they'll look elsewhere.

 

[Bird]

I just have a hard time seeing this as a big deal. One phone call and one visit? And considering paying a lawyer at that point? Of course I'm sure the lawyer would appreciate the business and anyone is certainly welcome to hire a lawyer for anything anytime, but it seems a waste of money to me. Now if they started calling repeatedly; i.e., more that 4 or 5 times, or if they were calling at hours when I was asleep and were waking me up, or if they visited in person more than 2 or 3 times, I might consider talking to a lawyer, but otherwise it just would not be a big deal to me.

And yes, you'd be within your rights to order a repo person (or anyone else) off your property, but in Texas at least, before the police could make an arrest for trespassing, you'd have to order him off in the officer's presence and he'd have to refuse to leave, unless of course the property is properly signed or the trespasser is in a place a visitor would not normally be found, such as in any buildings on the premises. As with most legal matters, it can be simple or it can be complicated.

 

[Jimbrown]

The one thing I did not see suggested is the first thing I would have done. Go to the bank in person or at least a branchof that bank and ask to speak to a manager and explain the whole deal. I suspect yu will get better answers that way.

 

[zeuspaul]

I believe identity theft is a crime. You might want to consider going to the police station and getting it on record.

Zeuspaul

 

[kenmac]

I'd really be surprised if the police could arrest anyone for trespass or harrassment under the circumstances.




Sure you can, if it were to continue After they have been notified to go away & never return to the property

 

[MossRoad]

Lawyers have friends?

They have moms and grandmas, too. I even know one that rescues abandoned puppies.

 

[dmccarty]

They have moms and grandmas, too. I even know one that rescues abandoned puppies.

Yeah, but what do they DO with the puppies.

Later,
Dan

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Jeff, I see your point. One thing that any repo man will tell you is that people constantly lie to the repo man. They look them dead in the eyes and lie. The repo man is used to dealing with all types. He has people treat him like they went to high school with him, and lie like a rug. Then they have people be irate and lie like a rug. Then everything inbetween. Best thing is just order them off the property, say nothing else. The repo man doesn't care if it's your vehicle or the Pope's, doesn't care where it is, or if you have your baby's car seat in it. They just want the vehicle so they can get paid. They are just doing their job, they stay isolated from the situation. If they know they aren't going to get the vehicle, they leave. If they want it bad enough, they sit down the street and watch. They will follow you to the grocery store, as soon as you go in, you better call for a ride home. If the vehicle never was at your home, there is nothing to see. They can't take another vehicle, only the one they have paperwork for.

The repo man has heard all kinds of stories. He has probably heard the "I've never even owned a car of that make" a thousand times. He has heard, "I sold it", or anything else more times than you can count. Just ask any cop. When you get lied to that often, you believe nothing until it can be proven. I haven't seen my buddy in a long time, but he had more stories than Bill Clinton has girlfriends.

 

[EarPlug]

I called the bank using the number given to me by the collection agency agent, and told the lady on the phone my story.

How do you know you actually called the "Bank"? They gave you the number! Did you provide them any personal info on that call? Did they ask you for info?

So far all of the contact has been initiated by them. How do you know they are legit? I would consider getting the "Bank's" number from a public source and call them to verify their claim.

Jack

 

[MossRoad]

I just have a hard time seeing this as a big deal.....

Me too. I'd call the bank and ask what their name was to make sure you don't know them. See if you can get some pictures of them. Maybe they are people that you do business with, like cashiers in a local store or eating establishment. That could be how they (the criminals) could have gotten your personal info. Try to work with the bank to find out who they are. Do not become antagonistic towards the bank. You should be happy they are going after someone that is giving you a bad name. Help them as much as possible.