Tips for Dealing with Debt Collectors

Sometimes the worst happens: The loss of your job, a sudden illness, or a death in your immediate family, any of which might require unpaid leave from your job. Suddenly you can't pay your bills and you fall significantly behind. Soon collection calls start ringing you day and night and letters demanding payment arrive at your door. Dealing with the circumstances that led to your falling behind on your bills, compounded with the collections calls, makes for a very stressful time. Additionally, it can feel demoralizing to have creditors hounding you when you have otherwise always paid your bills on time. 

First, it's important to know that when dealing with debt collectors, you have right thanks to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Aren't familiar with its bylaws? A lawyer and the assistance of expert witness testimony may be required on your behalf, should the situation escalate that far. 

Unfortunately, many debt collectors take unfair and illegal advantage of debtors because many debtors lack basic knowledge about their rights. Here are a few facts your debt collector doesn't want you to know: 

-Get the information in writing. Within five days of contacting you, a collector must send you a written notice telling you the amount of money you owe, the name of the creditor and what action to take if you believe you don't owe the money.

-If you don't believe you owe the money, dispute the debt in writing.

-Keep records of phone calls and messages. Keep a file with notes from phone conversations and copies of all written correspondence to and from the collector.

-When it comes to collection calls, the debt collection act says there is much that collectors cannot say or do, including:
    Using abusive or obscene language.
    Harassing you with repeated calls
    Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
    Talking to anyone but you or your attorney about the debt
    Threatening to sue unless they actually plan to take legal action
    Threatening to garnish wages or seize property unless they actually intend to do it

If you're getting calls and letters from debt collectors and want to resolve the debt, you need a plan. Contact an attorney who can utilize banking expert witness services to resolve the issue immediately.