How to Stop Debt Collectors from Calling
As a former debt collector I know what people go through when they get calls from debt collectors. And even though I was on the other end of the phone (making the calls to debtors), I know what an agonizing feeling it is. To have debt collectors calling at the most inopportune time. It can be especially bad if you believe that you have been wronged and don’t believe that you owe the debt.
The good news for you is that there are laws in place that regulates this industry and helps to protect the consumer from unfair and abusive practices. The law that is in place is called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and this law prohibits debt collectors from using unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices when they are collecting the debt from you. This law is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is the nation’s consumer protection agency.
So let’s go into more details about the law and how you can use the law to stop debt collectors from calling and harassing you.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions consumers have when it comes to getting calls from debt collectors.
The first question that consumers may want to know is what types of loans can bill collectors collect from;
They can collect from personal, family, and household debts. They can also collect on personal credit card accounts, auto loans, medical bills, as well as mortgages. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act does not cover debts that are incurred from running a business.
Another question consumers frequently ask is can the collection agency contact me anytime or can they contact me anyplace. The answer to that question is NO. They cannot contact you before 8:00 AM in the morning and after 9:00 PM at night, unless you give them permission to do so. And if your not allowed to get calls at work, then you need to tell them (orally or in writing) to don’t call you at work. This will stop bill collectors calling at work.
Now, probably the most frequently asked question is can I stop debt collectors from calling and harassing me. The answer to that question is YES. Here is how you stop debt collector calls;
In order to get debt collectors to stop contacting you, you need to notify them “in writing”. You need to write a letter (make it a certified letter to make sure they receive it), and then have a copy made of it for your records. Once they receive the letter they can no longer contact you with two exceptions; they can contact you to let you know that they will cease further communications, and they can contact you one more time to notify you that there will be a further course of action taken against you e.g. a lawsuit. Keep in mind that even though they can no longer contact you, you are still obligated to pay the debt back.
And lastly, another frequently asked question is who is the debt collector allowed to talk to about the debt. Well, first of all, if you are being represented by an attorney, they will then only be allowed to contact your attorney. But, overall, debt collectors are only allowed to talk to three people about your debt; you, your spouse or your attorney. If they contact third parties(friends, relatives, next door neighbors), they can only do so to get contact information (address, phone number and your place of employment).
Well, I hope this information was helpful. And keep in mind, the best thing to do is to try to resolve the issue. Collection agencies are willing to work with you to resolve the debt. Your best bet is to come up with a payment plan that is within your budget, and that will effectively STOP debt collectors from calling you.
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