It is important to get a job that interests you. Some people think a 9 to 5 may seem like an awful option. There are many jobs out there that aren’t so typical.
Being a repo agent is definitely an interesting job. You may wonder, can a felon become a repo agent?
Keep reading to learn more about the job of a repo agent as well as if there is an opportunity for a felon.
Repo Agent
Repossession, repo for short, is the act of the party who has ownership of property taking the property back from a different party. The property is then sold by the financial institution or third-party sellers. A repo agent is the person that goes to get the property.
Repo takes place when a person gets behind in payments. The repo agent will locate the property and legally take it into possession. An example would be if someone was not making their car payments. The repo agent would locate the car and either tow it or legally break into the car to move it.
Repo companies and their agents will work with clients like banks, credit unions and other financial firms.
Repo laws vary from state to state. Typically, as soon as there is a late payment over 30 days the financial institute will have the legal right to take the property back. Most states have self-help laws which means there is no court or police action needed.
A repo agent will usually work from midnight to 5:00 AM. This helps to repossess the property peacefully and successfully.
There are a few skills that a repo agent will want to have.
Good communication is a must when it comes to this job. The owners of the property may become enraged or want explanation, in which you will have to calmly and properly respond.
Good research skills are crucial. In order to repossess the property, the agent will have to locate it. This means the agent will have to deal with information such as addresses, Social Security Numbers, license numbers, and phone numbers.
Towing knowledge is a skill that is essential. The property cannot be damaged in any way.
Those are just a few skills that a repo agent would want to have. Now that you know what a repo agent is, let’s go over what education and training it takes.
Education/Training
Laws vary from state to state but most will require a license to be a repo agent. This does not mean the employee themselves but instead the business that they are employed by. For instance, the companies must have state licenses, Department of Transportation licenses and other various permits.
To become a repo agent a high school diploma is not even needed at times. Most training for the job is covered once someone is hired.
A person must be at least 18 years old. They must have the necessary licenses to drive in their state as well as have a clean driving record.
You must learn about your state’s licensing regulations and laws in regard to repossession and learn about how to successfully locate the property.
Lastly, if the company you are applying for a job at does not provide it, you must obtain a car or tow truck in order to repossess property.
Opportunities for Felons
Due to the nature of the job (access to the personal information of others and dealing with property), someone with a criminal record cannot become a repo agent.
An ex-convict would have to have their record expunged in order to get a job as a repo agent. Expungement involves removing any criminal record so that a felony is no longer publicly accessible. Allowing for a person to honestly state that they do not have a criminal record and successfully pass a background check.
Not all states offer expungement as an option. Additionally, not all crimes can be expunged. Violent crimes and sexual crimes are typically not able to be expunged. Repeat offenders aren’t typically eligible for expungement either.
The Expungement Process
Expungement does not happen automatically, and it is not a guarantee for those who are eligible.
Someone with a criminal history looking to have their record expunged must go through a process. This process begins by filling out an application or petition.
There are many documents and a bit of information to obtain. The process varies from state to state so there is no simple answer as to what the application will require.
Once the paperwork is completed, it must be submitted to the proper criminal court. There are often fees that accompany the submission.
As previously mentioned, it is not a guarantee that your application will be accepted.
The result of expungement is different from state to state. Some states will just seal your records off. In other states, the expungement process will result in a dismissal of your conviction.
Expungement of your record is a great way to increase opportunity in becoming a repo agent. When applying you can honestly state that you do not have a criminal record.
If expungement is not an option for you, there is no need to get discouraged. There are many companies out there that are willing to hire someone with a criminal record.
Conclusion
Repossession, Repo for short, is the act of the party who has ownership of property taking the property back from a different party. A repo agent is the person that goes to get the property.
To become a repo agent a high school diploma is not even needed at times. Most training for the job is covered once someone is hired.
Unfortunately, someone with a criminal record cannot become a repo agent. If you would like to become a repo agent, you would need to have your record expunged.
If getting your record expunged is not an option, do not get discouraged. There are plenty of other job opportunities out there for felons.