Phone calls from creditors can be overwhelming and harassing especially if they are calling you at home, work and at relative’s homes. Some creditors will handle their own collections but yet others farm out the job to third-party collection companies. As a consumer you have the right to end all contact with debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act can protect you and stop the harassing phone calls. Here are some tips to follow to know your rights and stop the calls.
- Take the phone call from the debt collector. Most people’s first instinct is to hang up or not answer at all. Instead answer the call and verbally request that the phone calls stop.
- Send a return receipt requested letter to the collection agency to put it in writing that you are requesting that all phone calls to home and work stop and desist. Once this is done they legally can not call you any more. You may request that they only contact your attorney.
- Know the boundaries of the law – Collection Companies have set rules that they should be following including:
- No calling before 8 am or after 9 pm
- calls can not threaten
- calls can not include profanity
- calls can not include lies
- calls can not continue after a written letter ( Be sure to have copies of this and return receipts.)
4. Offer a settlement. A third party company may be willing to accept a lower amount or payment plan.
5. Consult a qualified attorney to review your case and help with all debt collections.
6. File a complaint – Through an attorney you, may file a complaint with the Attorney General in your state or with the Federal Trade Commission if the calls do not stop after you send a written request.
Read More about Fair Debt Practices Act