The recent MacDermid decision from the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals reads like a heartbreaking tale of debt collection gone wrong. Debt collectors working in-house for Discovery (thereby saving Discover from FDCPA claims), allegedly threated Ms. MacDermid with (among other things) jail time, going so far as to make up a relationship with the local prosecutor's office. Here is what they said, according to the decision:
had spoken with a lady named "Harriott" who had told her that, under the facts described above, Mr. MacDermid is legally liable for his wife's charge card; and
that she had filed a report with the Giles County Sheriff's office; and
that Harriott Barkly of the Giles County District Attorney's office, advised her that because the MacDermids were married, and because Mr. MacDermid was aware of his wife's problem, he "should keep a better eye on her" and should "keep her away from the internet"; and
[that Adonica Gilmore stated about Mrs. MacDermid,] "I don't think you want her going . . . well you know"; and
that there was no need for him to talk to a lawyer, because, even though there was no signature, and it was procured on the Internet, Mrs. MacDermid's application is binding on Mr. MacDermid, and he is definitely liable; and
that [Adonica Gilmore stated], if the matter could not be resolved, "I'll just call Harriott" . . . and have the authorities "take a little trip out to your house."
These lies convinced Ms. MacDermid she had no choice but to take her life to save her husband from the debt she racked up.
more: http://consumerist.com/consumer/deb...ors-threats-drive-woman-to-suicide-267237.php
Sad story that could and should have ended differently...
had spoken with a lady named "Harriott" who had told her that, under the facts described above, Mr. MacDermid is legally liable for his wife's charge card; and
that she had filed a report with the Giles County Sheriff's office; and
that Harriott Barkly of the Giles County District Attorney's office, advised her that because the MacDermids were married, and because Mr. MacDermid was aware of his wife's problem, he "should keep a better eye on her" and should "keep her away from the internet"; and
[that Adonica Gilmore stated about Mrs. MacDermid,] "I don't think you want her going . . . well you know"; and
that there was no need for him to talk to a lawyer, because, even though there was no signature, and it was procured on the Internet, Mrs. MacDermid's application is binding on Mr. MacDermid, and he is definitely liable; and
that [Adonica Gilmore stated], if the matter could not be resolved, "I'll just call Harriott" . . . and have the authorities "take a little trip out to your house."
These lies convinced Ms. MacDermid she had no choice but to take her life to save her husband from the debt she racked up.
more: http://consumerist.com/consumer/deb...ors-threats-drive-woman-to-suicide-267237.php
Sad story that could and should have ended differently...
