Dealing with Debt Collectors

Having to deal with a debt collector can be a trying experience. Having economic problems is stressful already, and you don't need a collector harassing you or trying to rub salt in the wounds. Some of what the debt collectors are saying to you may be abusive or intimidating, and these debt collection laws & guidelines can help even before you contact a debt collection attorney.

Here are some ways that you can deal with a debt collector:

• Keep a call log. On our call log, you can record the dates and times of calls, the names of debt collectors, their phone number, and some of the highlights of your conversation.
• Provide written dispute of the debt. If you received a letter from them that advises you that you can seek validation of the debt within 30 days, then do just that. Seek validation and hold the debt collector responsible for providing you proof of what you owe. 
• If you are outside of that 30 day period, that does not prevent you from disputing the debt. You can still dispute it and you can do it in writing. If you do, that triggers a requirement of the debt collector to make note of that dispute if they ever report the debt to a credit bureau.
• Send a letter to the debt collector that you wish for them to "cease and desist all communications" OR, if you disagree that you owe this debt, it's not yours, and you refuse to pay it, send a letter to the debt collector advising them that you "refuse to pay" this debt. If a debt collector calls you or tries to communicate with you after sending a letter to cease and desist or refuse to pay, contact us for a free case review. 
• Recording Calls. In some states, you can record your phone calls without ever disclosing that you are recording them. However, in some states, you must disclose to the other person in the conversation that you are recording the call. Review the link to see what the laws are in your state.