How to Make the Debt Collectors Go Away
Are you afraid to pick up the phone because of the harassment that awaits on the other end?
Debt collectors are bound by laws just as everyone else. Certain things they can and cannot do, or say when attempting to collect a delinquent debt. If you know your rights, and their limitations, you can bring some peace back into your life.
Lets start at work. To stop these calls simply tell the debt collectors that this is your work number and you are not allowed to accept personal calls at work. Please do not ever call this number again I could lose my job.
They may also try to contact your employer directly. This is legal but they can only do so once, and only for the purpose of verifying your location and confirming your employment. If your employer is unaware of this let them know, and they too can stop these calls form your debt collectors.
At home debt collectors are only allowed to call between the hours of 8am and 8pm. If you receive calls outside of these hours tell them they are violating the “Fair Debt Collections Act” and you will report them to the FTC.
To stop the debt collectors completely follow this simple outline.
Keep a call log every time they call. Each time write down the day, date, and time. Get the name of the individual you are speaking with and the name and address of their company.
On the first call ask the nature of their call. When they explain the debt tell them you are unaware of this debt and that you request they send all information in the mail. Tell the debt collectors not to call you at home, or at work. Tell them all future communication goes through the mail form now on. After this call, send a letter and make this request in writing.
If they violate your request and call again say you asked once not to call you at home or work, and you sent a letter requesting this in writing. Tell them if they continue to call you will report them to the Attorney General and the FTC.
If the debt collectors continue to call a 3rd time tell them you have asked twice and sent a written request to stop calling. Now, as warned you are reporting them to the Attorney General and the FTC. “Thank you. Do Not call again. Goodbye!” Now follow through and report them.