Starting With The Basics Of Debt Collection
If a debt collector contacts you, it is in your best interest not to avoid the situation but to face it willingly, which keeps your anxieties at bay because you’re not running away from the problem. If you choose to shy away or wait for the problem to disappear, you will likely exacerbate the situation and be stuck in a dilemma.
Know Your Rights When A Debt Collector Calls
You need to establish a few things if you start receiving calls from a debt collector. First, you need to find out the name of the person contacting you, the debt collection company they represent, and the company’s address and contact details.
Since you likely owe funds to a third party, you should ask the debt collector for details regarding the amount owed, the company’s name which needs to receive the money, and how you can confirm the debt is yours.
In most cases, the debt collector already gives you all of this information. If he doesn’t, you should ask for the details in writing to have a written notice before agreeing to settle any debts.
How to Protect Yourself From Harassment
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you against harassment by allowing the debt collector to make contact within defined parameters. You should keep an eye out for red flags; if the debt collector is constantly calling you at odd times, it is harassment.
They should also not intend to annoy or abuse you, which is strictly illegal. If they’re contacting you directly on social media, that’s fine, but it is illegal if they are posting messages on your accounts relating to your debt.
Your rights protect you from being harassed in any form, and you should contact the relevant authorities if you feel you are being deceived or manipulated in any way. Many debt collectors may also pose as enforcement officers, which is a scare tactic to get you to pay your debts quickly but is unlawful.
Repayment Plan To Settle Debts
Your best bet would be to work out a repayment plan with the debt collector after negotiation, which can make the process easy for you. You are within your rights to ask the debt collector to stop calling you, but they can take other legal measures to ensure that you pay your debt, such as by informing your credit reporting company of your pending payments.
Depending on the amount of money you owe, some debt collectors may even file a lawsuit against you to get you to pay, which is within their rights. In this case, it is best to speak to an attorney so that you take the best course of action possible. The best scenario is that you settle your debts at a time of your convenience, using a repayment plan that is not too demanding so you can prioritize your rent and daily expenses.
Final Thoughts
Many debt collectors often abuse their position to get people to settle their debts quickly, which is manipulative and illegal. For people dealing with debt collection, it is essential to know your rights to avoid being taken advantage of and negotiating the best repayment plan possible. If you’re dealing with harassment, it helps to hire an attorney to confront the situation head-on.