Debt Collectors - How To Deal With Them
Let's face it: debt collectors can be scary. Many will insistently call and harass you, all in an attempt to get you to pay more than you possibly can. However, most people don't know their legal rights when dealing with debt - a fact exploited by collectors- and often agree to to terms that are unfair and/or impossible. Here are your legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
A debt collector must provide you with the amount owed in writing. When first approached by a debt collector, ask for this right away to clear up any confusion.
You have the right to dispute the debt in question. When the debt collector contacts you and disagree with either the figure or the source of the debt, you have 30 days in which to dispute the charge in writing.
Tell the debt collector to buzz off. This is my personal favorite. You can submit your request in writing to a debt collector that they not contact you again about a specific debt, and they cannot continue correspondence with the exception of providing notice they have received your request. Of course, they can always contact you in the future for different debts, which means you have to send the notification to them again. It's really that simple!
A few additional things a debt collector cannot do: swear, make illegal threats (such as physical or emotional threats), contact you before 8AM or after 9PM without your approval, or contact your work if you have told them not to.
The FDCPA was created to protect consumers from over-anxious debt collectors. Know your rights before making any decisions, and don't let them bully you around!
More information on the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. |
