Debt collectors can be very persistent. The first thing you need to do is not to panic especially if you don't have the money to pay for the bill. The companies have specific guidelines that must be followed. Debt buyers may have your name from a debt and not have the correct information. These facts should help you understand what you can do to get the hounds off your trail.
Step One: Be Firm and Quiet
The debt collector can attempt to collect the debt from you several ways. However, if they don't tell you who the creditor is, and all of the information about the debt including the amount. You can request a written copy of the information. The agency has five days to send the written information to you. Don't present any information to the agency if you don't believe it is your debt.
Step Two: Request the Information in Writing
Dispute the debt if you don't think you owe it. You have thirty days after you receive the confirmation from the collection agency to respond to the alleged charges or debt. It is also important to use certified mail to the collection agency or business because they can deny it has been received from you.
Step Three: Keep Records of Messages and Phone Correspondence
It is essential to keep a written record of all of the phone conversations, how many times the company called, and any other paperwork involved with the questionable debt.
Step Four: Be Aware Of Your Rights
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you cannot be contacted at work if you have asked them to stop calling you. Your information cannot be provided by the debt collecting to anyone other than you or your attorney. Unless you agree, the agency cannot call you before 8 am or after 9 pm
Many credit agencies have collected information from other companies for old uncollected debts. It is possible it isn't your debt. You should always make sure the debt is actually yours before making any payment arrangements.
Step Five: Hire an Attorney
If you cannot get the agency to stop the harassment or if you believe they are using unethical practices to retrieve your information, it is advisable to hire an attorney (like those at Hawkins Bingham & Miller).
Now, as you see, there are certain things debt collectors can't do to you. You have to be informed and understand what rights belong to you. These suggestions should help you better keep the hounds away, especially if it isn't your debt.
Share27 July 2016
When I started my first small business, I had no idea how much I really didn’t know. I was fully prepared to deal with customers, sell product and even handle complaints and returns. What I wasn’t aware of was that there is so much more to it. I was lacking the legal expertise to protect the company and myself. I wanted others to benefit from my experience, mistakes and lessons learned, so I started this blog. From employment law to the legal business contracts you’ll have to sign when you form partnerships, business law is complex. I hope that the information here will help you to be better prepared when you start your business so that you’ll know when you need to call an attorney and when you can handle things yourself.
