How To Deal With A Bill Collector Part Two

If a bill collector is requesting that you pay a debt that you think you do not owe, or more than you owe, you have the ability to dispute the debt in writing. The legal terms for doing this are “debt validation” or “debt verification.” Within the first five days of contacting you, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that bill collectors notify you of your right to validate the debt. You need to ask for verification within thirty days of when you are first told about the debt. Always send your request by certified mail.

There have been recent warnings that have been issued reporting a spike in numbers of complaints about fake and threatening collection calls. If it doesn’t feel right in your gut, be wary. Remain skeptical of any collections call that asks you for personal information, or threatens you. Again, be aware of your rights that I just described above. Don’t provide any personal information. If a collection agent threatens you, hang up the phone and report the call immediately to your state attorney general’s office.

As with any business or financial matter, keep good records; copies of all correspondence related to collections. Corresponding by mail is wise, because it allows you to keep things in order, and you won’t lose your cool over the phone. Don’t ever pay off a debt until you receive written notice of the amount that is due, and as always, keep records of everything you pay.

Bill collectors may be pushy on the phone, but you are absolutely under no legal obligation to respond immediately. If a collection agent catches you when you are off of your guard, request that they call you back in an hour so you can plan out your conversation. If they call you at your job or at a relative’s house, inform them that you are requesting them formally that they do not call you at that location.You also have the right to formally request that they cease and desist from contacting you at all, but this is a risky move, considering that this does, under no circumstance, eliminate any debt obligation that you might owe. If they choose to, the collection agent can still escalate collections by sending the debt to a law firm, which will be an unpleasant and rather unexpected surprise.

Finally, do not be afraid to get help. If you are receiving telephone calls from a collection agent, make sure that you take a proactive stance and understand your options which can include debt consolidation, credit counseling or debt settlement. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are a human being that deserves respect and to be treated with dignity, no matter how much debt you might owe to a creditor. If you stay informed and command this type of behavior, you will find that you will be well protected and more content.

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