Current Newsletter
Collection & Credit Insights
September 2004
Six Steps to Security
In this ever changing, fast paced world we live in, we sometimes need to take a step back and look at the way we are doing certain things. Unfortunately, there are people out there that are just waiting to take advantage of others without a second thought. By changing the way you do a few everyday things, you may be able to save yourself a lot of time and frustration should you ever become a victim.
Have only your initial—not your entire name—printed on your checks. Although your bank will know how your sign checks, a thief won’t.
When writing a check to pay a credit card account, put just the last four numbers of your account on the memo line. Your credit card company will know the rest of your account number, but it will be protected from others who handle your check as it passes through the processing channels.
Put your work phone number on your checks rather than your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If not, use your work address.
Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
Photocopy all contents of your wallet—including both sides of your credit cards, license and other identification. Keep this information in a safe place. When traveling, carry a copy of your passport in a separate place. That way, you’ll know all the necessary account numbers if your wallet or passport is lost or stolen.
In the event of a theft, take these actions to limit damage:
- Cancel your credit cards immediately by calling the appropriate toll-free numbers.
- File a police report right away in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. This will serve as proof to credit providers that you were diligent in an investigation.
- Call all three national credit reporting organizations (listed here) immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert serves as notice to any company that your personal information was stolen, and they must contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
***EQUIFAX—800-525-6285
***TRANS UNION—800-680-7289
***EXPERIAN—888-397-3742
***Social Security Admin. Fraud Line 800-269-0271
Article reprinted from Miller Canfield Hot Points newsletter
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR JACKSON OFFICE AND ADRIAN OFFICE HAVE MERGED
TO OUR ANN ARBOR OFFICE.
Upcoming Events
Collections Seminar
October 15, 2004
Credit Professionals of
Ann Arbor Meeting
September 14, 200
Welcome to Our New Clients
- North Oakland County Curves-Auburn Hills
- Charter Twp. Oakland
- Weed Man
- Pooch Pal
- Dr. Henke, MD
- Dr. T. Wilkins DDS
Phone Numbers
Client/Sales questions
800-710-4821
Mortgage Dept.
800-684-2738
Customers to pay bills
800-741-6955
Report payments
734-665-6173
“Beauty” is in the Eye of the Beholder
I again had the pleasure of attending the Michigan Towing Association Rodeo where the “Beauty Contestants” are not cows, horses and pigs but great big beautiful tow trucks.
The Rodeo is a gathering of towers from all over the state, to take classes, visit the vendors and compete in driving competitions. There was a banquet on Saturday night with a comedian, fantastic door prizes (which yours truly got to go shopping for) auction and a great live band called Stormfront. It was a wonderful weekend spent with what most would call customers, but I have come to consider my friends.
Thanks to all the towers for all you do to help others in need.
Debbie Hundersmarck
Fast Cash!
The competition is on again! Our collectors are competing for weekly opportunities to win cold cash. For the past month we’ve been honoring our collection specialists with chances at taking home some extra cash. And it’s been helping us obtain more payments in full and greater collections too. Our team is competing for $50 cash weekly in two separate categories; payments taken over the phone and payments that are balance in full. Nearly every collector has won a couple crisp “Grants” in addition to his or her normal commissions. These collection contests and reward games encourage healthy competition, generate excitement and promote synergy on our collection floor.
Tom Oldani
General Manager
High Payment of the Month!
High payment honors this month go to Page. She collected $3,194.00 from a local rental property.
Nice job Page and congratulations!
Welcome
We want to welcome Jen Smith to our “Credit
Bureau Family”. Jen is our new Legal Coordinator and is already doing a great job collecting on your
legal accounts. Welcome Jen!
Credit Professionals of Ann Arbor meeting
Credit Professionals of Ann Arbor will meet at Weber’s Inn on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004 from 7:30am to 9:00am. The featured speakers will be members Kathryn Greiner & Jean Jervis. The topic of discussion will be “The Structure & Purpose of Credit Professionals International.”
Recovery Skills Seminar!!!
Recovery Skills Seminar
October 15, 2004
Holiday Inn, 3600 Plymouth Rd.,
Ann Arbor (734) 769-9800
Collector Workshop
- Negotiation skills
- Collection laws-what governs you when you work your accounts
- How to make your collectors more efficient and effective in their collections
- Discussion on issues and cases which affect specific collection problems
- What’s involved when your account goes to third-party collection litigation
Time is reserved for your special and unique questions to be answered by collection professionals and legal counsel.
Who should attend?
- Supervisors/Managers who want to hone their collection techniques and provide new ideas for A/R staff
- Collectors and A/R representatives
Fast seminar facts:
- $75 per person
- Workbook/instructional manual
included
- To register, complete this form and mail or fax to:
Ann Arbor Credit Bureau
311 N. Main St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Fax: 734-663-5794
Call Debbie/Carol at 800-710-4821
for more information!
Company Name
_________________________________
Your Name
_________________________________
Address
_________________________________
City_______________________State___
Zip___________
Phone # ( )_________________
Number of Attendees____________
Names
_________________________________
_________________________________
Total Enclosed __________
Bill Me (Clients only) __________
RECOVERY SKILLS SEMINAR!!! |
