Today's Most Popular Video
Jun 10, 2009 6:53 pm US/Central
Who's Hiring? Debt Collectors
(WCCO)
-
-
Debt collectors have to follow rules, including not calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
CBS
In this new economy, one type of work is as busy as ever -- debt collectors.
The job is in high demand and at least one bill collector vows to be respectful, especially in these difficult times.
"Looks like we have a balance here of $5,243," said Travis Nadeau, an I.C. System collection agent, as he spoke into his telephone headset at the company's Vadnais Heights headquarters.
The bill collector conjures up images of a nasty, threatening character, right?
"We're really not all that devilish," said Nadeau.
Truth is, some of the collection agents were once on the receiving end of collections calls, like Jodi Schintz. She can empathize, especially as she hears the fear on the other end of the line.
"I have a caring heart and I want to help people out," said Schintz, an I.C. System collection lead.
Collection agencies are busy right now. There's a lot more debt, but it's more difficult to collect.
It is a high burn-out job, so the company tries to make sure workers don't get worn out listening to hard luck stories all day and they try to create a fun workplace.
"Sitting down for eight hours straight, talking to hard-luck stories is a tough job, so we give them flex schedules to split up the day," said Ken Rapp, I.C. System president and CEO.
"More than ever right now, most of the people I talk to right now have never been in collections before," said Robert Eggers, another collection agent.
Collection agents now sign a pledge, to treat every person with dignity and respect. This can be a grind, but it can also be rewarding when you know you really helped someone.
"You can set hundreds of payments up a day, but there's always that one where you know, not only did you just set up a payment, but you may have made a difference in their life," said DeShun Givance, a collection supervisor.
Debt collectors have to follow rules, including not calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
They are not allowed to harass or deceive, and they are also not supposed to call at work if the person requests that they don't.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Letters To Santa Sent To Sex Offender?
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
