NPR Throws IRS Private Collectors Under the Bus

Comment from Lisa on December 2, 2008 at 12:48PM EST

What a bunch of junk!!!

Comment from Twin on December 2, 2008 at 12:49PM EST

I agree, listening to this one sided segment made my stomach turn this morning. Knowing what I do about this situation, it scares me that other types of "reporting" are just as off base, but I am just not informed enough to notice. Scary how things can be twisted simply by the way they are presented!! Awful!

Comment from Scott Miller on December 2, 2008 at 12:51PM EST

Gee, NPR being one-sided and off the mark with full disclosure ?!? Why, that is undeard of !

Unfortunately, we will see more of this under the new administration. There is a serious hate for debt collectors in the Democratic party. Too bad they can't get it that the money collected will help to pay back the $700 gabillion dollar stimulis plans.

Comment from Kindness4Weakness on December 2, 2008 at 12:58PM EST

The media has been doing this to collectors since Moby Dick was a minnow. Nothing to worry about. Just try to enjoy "wearing the black hat". Their hatred is fueled by fear. Not all humans take full advantage of their opposable thumbs. Let their ignorance shine!

Comment from Chris on December 2, 2008 at 1:03PM EST

It made my ears bleed. No counterpoint, no mention of the fact that IRS collectors don't have the same legal burdens, no discussion on how perhaps some agencies were outperforming government workers. What do you expect from NPR. If a Republican administration did something, it must be evil.

Comment from Lefty on December 2, 2008 at 1:08PM EST

I too listened to the story and it was awful. They found a debtor who thought that messages stating a name and requesting a return call was "harassment" (here’s an idea - return the call before you get all upset about receiving too many messages), cited a "study" that appeared to be one person saying that independent collectors are not as efficient (contrary to what I have read) and stated that "most of the people the collectors call don't even owe the money," or something to that effect. Who's fault is that? Collectors don't want to call people who don't owe money, as it is not a good way to make money. I was appalled and I listen to NPR all the time. I honestly don't think I've ever heard such a terribly reported story. I am considering writing to them.

Comment from Anonymous on December 2, 2008 at 1:10PM EST

It was a very ignorant view and poor piece of journalism. Hate to say it, but there really isn't an unbiased reporting of the news!

Comment from Phil on December 2, 2008 at 1:14PM EST

Democrats don't hate bill collectors any more than Republicans love bill collectors. If you don't like what you're hearing, talk to your legislator. This poor piece of reporting contained half truths and misinformation but that's what's out there. Call or visit your state and federal representatives and educate them!

Comment from Anonymous on December 2, 2008 at 1:53PM EST

I strongly suggest that those of us in the 3rd party debt collection business provide NPR wiht an education on the FACTS and REQUIRE Them to air the OTHER side of this latest hot topic, governement contracting! Go to their web site and send a comment about this morning's "morning addition" NOW!

Comment from Anonymous on December 2, 2008 at 2:12PM EST

To all outraged: Why would you get so outraged by this story if you are not going to do anything about it? If you think the collection industry is always being slammed then start your own outreach programs to educate Americans about the policies and laws that must be followed by all collection companies. Quit standing around whining and do something about it. Stop allowing yourself to be a victim. Reading your comments was almost as bad as listening to that one sided report.

Comment from Anonymous on December 2, 2008 at 2:19PM EST

Perhaps the program director of NPR is a debtor themselves. People who pay there bills don't have to deal with collection agencies.

Comment from Anonymous on December 2, 2008 at 2:41PM EST

"Curiously, 85 percent of the people the companies called didn't even owe back taxes, according to a federal report. But the IRS still uses those firms, even though calls like the ones played at the hearing made some officials cringe."

YOUR TELLING ME THAT 85% OF THE ACCOUNTS COLLECTORS WERE CALLING DIDNT EVEN OWE TAXES THAT NEEDED COLLECTING ON?????????????????????

THE ONLY THING DUMBER THAN THE IRS AND NPR.........IS NPR TALKING ABOUT THE IRS.

I think the time has come to allow chimpanzees to start writing for NPR.

Comment from Anonymous on December 2, 2008 at 2:54PM EST

It is because if the biased media that we collectors are finding it increasingly difficult to do our job. They keep on coming out with new laws to protect the debtors from having to pay what they owe. It is not only the debt collectors that are suffering from the biased media, anyone that doesn't go along with their liberal ideas gets attacked.

Comment from A Tax Payer on December 2, 2008 at 4:19PM EST

The people that are complaining are the people who have not contributed to the $700 Billion dollar bailout, but will be the first ones in line with there hands out. The politicians will give it to them.

Comment from Ron West, Cold Spring Harbor, New York on December 2, 2008 at 7:14PM EST

The vast majority of debtors, want to pay their bills, but they fear collectors. Most good collectors, the ones that actually make a good living doing what they do, don't threaten or harass. They will actually point out ways, that the debtor hadn't thought of, to get a bill resolved. Once you hear that magical word "harassment" from a debtor, you know your dealing with a deadbeat who is looking to beat the bill. Not someone who will try to find a way to take care of their obligation.

Comment from harvey on December 3, 2008 at 11:52AM EST

Bias in the media is everywhere, for every topic. And it is not just a liberal media conspiracy - it crosses all ideologies.

Unfortunately the collection industry is one of those things that most people love to hate, right up there with sleazy lawyers and politicians and Microsoft. So if you're in the industry you should either grow a skin and politely inform people of the facts or get out.

Comment from Lethal on December 3, 2008 at 11:55AM EST

Most agencies follow the laws and regulations to collect debt and help the economy. I wish there were more positive stories about how we do our job and SAVE people money by holding those who don't pay accountable. The story on NPR doesn't surprise me; they are usually unfair, onesided because they are always trying to appeal to the liberal listeners. The new administration scares me...I look to hear "everyone owes nothing. You all are debt free" pretty soon.

Comment from Anonymous on December 3, 2008 at 5:30PM EST

So, how did this discussion get political??

Comment from Anonymous on December 4, 2008 at 10:33PM EST

You're all absolutely right... the segment aired was one sided and awful... to say the least.

Perhaps we should join forces and forward the many thank you notes we've received from creditors and debtors alike... of course they wouldn't publish this because it would (as one responder so eloquently put it) "let their ignorance shine." But oh wouldn't it be a good feeling to rain on their fabricated parade!

I agree with those that suggest to educate those that are misinformed. And for those of you who feel defeated or put down... remember the immortal words of Eleanor Roosevelt... "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Perhaps we should "air" a segment of our own and expose what they don't... there are those of us who have the creditor's and debtor's best interest at heart.