Some people who may have lost their jobs and are now in debt claim they are getting harassed more than ever by debt collectors.
They are getting everything from intimidating phone calls to threats of jail.
It is illegal for a debt collector to threaten people with jail or to harass debtors but that doesn't stop the most vicious ones.
They insult. "Get an education instead of sitting on your fat derriere all day long."
They intimidate. "Unless you want us coming in there and arresting you at your place of employment."
"I need $636 and I need it today."
And they lack compassion. "You owe money you can't pay. Why don't you just jump in front of a train? Why don't you do that?"
Similar threats from a bill collection agency left a 72-year-old Carbon County woman at a low-income apartment building afraid to answer her phone.
"Some are very rude and angry and ignorant," said Nancy Kehm. Her problems started just after her husband died seven years ago. During that time she developed Parkinson's Disease. She needed more costly prescription medicine.
When she defaulted on a $2,200 credit card, Kehm said debt collectors began calling eight times a day, sometimes calling her neighbors.
"You look at the neighbors they did call, and you feel embarassed and degraded," Kehm added.
"A lot of the clients we see are individuals who are embarrassed. They're ashamed," attorney Jason Rapa said. Hea dded collecting is a simple business.
If someone defaults on a $10,000 credit card or bank debt a collection agency will pay as little as $100 for it. Anything collectors get is pure profit.
In a sagging economy, Rapa said, it's harder for these collectors to get the money, which is why, he said, more are crossing the line.
"Some use scare tactics that will have some individuals forgo paying their rent or their mortgage," Rapa added.
One collector told an area man he had a message for the family next door. "Let the neighbors know there's a pedophile living in the neighborhood, and they should take, you know, the proper precautions."
"You are a danger to be around children."
"The effect that that had on my client and his family are immeasurable," Rapa said. He has sued several collection companies, most of them located in Buffalo, New York.
Rapa said he has trouble when authorities crack down on the collection firms, claiming, they will change their name, shut their doors, then after a short time, a new businesses will open and Rapa finds they have the same owners. Sometimes, they are the same people making the harassing calls.
Rapa said he's usually gets lawbreaking collectors to pay legal fees. Sometimes, judges award damages of $1,000 when they break the law.
"A thousand dollars to one of these multi-billion dollar companies is not even a slap on the wrist," Rapa added.
Nancy kehm is now suing a debt collection company. She said that's why the phone at her apartment has stopped ringing.
"I just can't be tortured any more like that," Kehm said.
There are collection agencies that play by the rules and people are responsible for paying what they owe.
Unsavory firms continue to operate. In fact, there are now more complaints to the Pennsylvania Attorney General about bill collectors, then any other business, including telemarketers.