Debt Collector Turns Heroine in a 13‑Story Rescue
What Happens When a Collector Meets a 13‑Level Stunt
At 35, Mrs. Lyn Ling had heard every drama the debt‑collection industry could throw at her. Eight‑years‑long, she’s seen more faces than a phone‑book, but her latest assignment on Sept 17 would prove unforgettable.
- Fast Debt Recovery Specialist founder Lyn Ling & her partner Gary Tan drove to a flat to serve a notice for a stalled renovation loan.
- The lady at the door didn’t just shout; she unlocked the gate, slammed the door, and sprinted towards a 13‑storey ledge.
- In a frantic Mandarin line, she threatened: “Show you my accounts? Zero. Let me jump, the way you wish.”
- Gary’s quick instinct: she’s tiny, but she’s rigid like a rubber band. The pair snatched her by the shoulders and legs, holding on like a tug‑of‑war champion.
- After a tense few minutes, the woman calmed. Lyn called the police, finished the negotiation, and the case was wrapped up.
Why the Crisis Was Bigger Than COVID
The woman had lost her job and her husband declared bankruptcy—human drama that even “COVID” couldn’t fully explain. Lyn says it wasn’t just a pandemic crisis; it was an unraveling of a life blown apart.
What Learned:
- Even seasoned debt collectors can find themselves turned into first responders.
- Facing a crisis like this shows how far people will go when chiseling out a debt.
- Just because a debt is overdue doesn’t mean a debtor won’t do “extreme” things.
In a world where emails and phone calls resolve most things, Lyn Ling stepped in – guns blazing – to keep the building safe. She rolled up her sleeves and proved that even a “Fast Debt Recovery Specialist” can become a real‑life superhero when the stakes were sky‑high.
Debt Recovery Goes Boom, Covid Greys Up the Economics
Two of the three debt‑collection outfits the Straits Times chatted with are seeing a surge in work since the pandemic‑induced circuit‑breaker from April. While banks haven’t lost sleep over the subject, the real drama is happening out on the streets – or really, on the phones of creditors.
Sky‑High Numbers at SDCS
Ms Yvonne Ho, the general manager at Singapore Debt Collection Service (SDCS), said they’re handling a 30 % jump per month since the lockdown. That figure includes:
- Personal loans that people simply cannot swing
- Boot‑and‑gear car finance that’s been forgotten amid the traffic jams of lockdown
- Renegotiations where debtors trade hefty instalments for smaller, more manageable pockets
“A lot of folks were left out‑of‑pocket or stuck with flat‑rate earnings after the Covid hit,” Ms Ho (29) told us. “Some business owners are even missing out on paying their rent. It’s a domino effect.”
Contractions at JMS Rogers
On the flip side, JMS Rogers is dealing with fewer than ten cases a month, down from about seventy before the pandemic. Mr. Rajan (49), who owns the firm, said their decline stems from a wave of bankruptcies – companies simply don’t want to chase debtors when they’re battling cash crunches.
In our conversation, Mrr Ling (not to be confused with a match‑maker) highlighted her philosophy: “I’m there for both the client and the debtor. We’re looking for a win‑win in these roller‑coaster times.” She’s quick to note that you’re only as helpful as the debtor’s willingness to cooperate.
“Let’s look a bit closer at a woman who’s moved to a debt deferment till next January,” said Ms Ling, “We’re advising her on government grants and subsidies and the paperwork that goes with it.”
Numbers That Matter
Debt ranges from as low as $2,000 to as high as $300,000. Whether it’s a single credit card or a sprawling loan, the face‑to‑face (or screen‑to‑screen) talk is what just landed in the official, if not a touch humorous, tongue‑in‑cheek status of most debtors: “Alas, the breeding chalice of the pandemic didn’t look kindly on virtual repayment.”
Quick Tips for Debtors
- Get a hold on your income – layoffs and lowered earnings can be a major snag
- Check out public support schemes for a “do‑what‑you‑can” cushion
- Don’t let the debt collector’s phone slip into the void in the middle of the night
- Stay on top of the paperwork (or they’ll just make a note and walk away)
In short, while creditors are eager to get back their money, debtors are striving harder than ever to keep their balances tidy. The outcome? A more collaborative, sometimes even hilarious ride between the two parties.
For ongoing updates about the coronavirus – keep scrolling, no link given needed, but the story keeps getting a little more complicated this age. This article originally appeared in The Straits Times. Reproduction of it requires permission. (No other corporate tone requested.)
