How To Prevent Debt Collectors From Causing Stress And Trouble
Dealing with a debt collector can be a trying experience. Having economic problems is stressful enough already. You don’t also need a collector harassing you or trying to rub salt in the wounds. Debt collectors may say abusive or intimidating things to you.
Contact SmithMarco, P.C., if you believe a creditor is violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Discover what debt collection behaviors are illegal and how to get them to stop. We are consumer protection lawyers who can help you assert your rights.
Guidelines For Protecting Your Peace Of Mind
We have compiled specific guidelines on dealing with debt collectors. You can take action before contacting a debt collection attorney, but we will also gladly personalize this counsel for you.
- Keep a call log. On a call log, you should record the dates and times of calls, the names of debt collectors, their phone numbers, and some of the highlights of your conversation. If the debt collector uses threatening behavior, be sure to take note of that.
- Find out if, in your state, you can record debt collector 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. Find out what your state laws are here.
- Request a written letter validating the debt. If you received a letter from a debt collector that informs 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 they say you owe.
- Don’t think you cannot dispute a debt even if you are outside of that 30-day period. You can still dispute it by writing a debt dispute letter. If you do, that triggers a requirement of the debt collector to make a note of that dispute if they ever report the debt to a credit bureau. Here are some sample debt dispute letters to help you write your own.
- Decide which kind of debt dispute letter you will use. You can either send a letter to the debt collector that you wish for them to “cease and desist all communications.” Alternatively, if you disagree that you owe this 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 debt dispute letter, contact us for a free case review.
Discuss Your Debt Collection Difficulties With An Attorney
Our dedicated legal team at SmithMarco, P.C., can provide you with the assistance you need to face debt collectors.
Call us at 888-915-0836 or fill out an online contact form for a free case consultation.