Debt is a pain in the neck. This is especially the case when you’re having to deal with debt collectors who don’t seem to leave you alone. While interacting with collectors can be overwhelming, knowing your rights can make it easier for you.
Debt Collectors Can’t Call at Any Time
If debt collectors are calling you in the middle of the night, they’re breaking the law. No collections officers can contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Make sure to keep records of when you’re contacted by collections people. It can be advantageous to you if you can prove the collector isn’t following the law.
Debt Collectors Can’t Impersonate Authority or Lie to You
It’s likely that you don’t know all the rules around debt and debt collection. While most people who work in the collections industry know what they can and can’t do, some will try to bend the rules.
No debt collector is allowed to say they’re the police and you’ll be under arrest if you don’t pay. They also can’t tell you incorrect figures about how much you owe. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to keep records of your debt collections calls. Being prepared before they come can be a huge advantage to you. Recording your conversations can provide proof that a collector acted outside the scope of the law.
Debt Collectors Can’t Harass or Threaten You or Anyone Else
To some, the simple act of receiving a call might seem like harassment. While that isn’t exactly how it works, there are certain kinds of harassment that are totally not okay. Collectors aren’t allowed to do things like threaten to harm you, swear at you, or call you an unreasonable amount. Once again, keeping records of your interactions with collectors can provide evidence of harassment.
Debt collectors also can’t threaten or harass people around you, such as a spouse, relative, or coworker.
While it’s nice to know that you can’t legally be harassed by debt collectors, simply being contacted at all can feel like a lot. Eliminating your debt can help you avoid the issue of dealing with debt collectors altogether. How can you do this? There are several options you can employ on your own. However, people really struggling to pay down their debt should consider the benefits of debt relief.
Working with a debt settlement organization like the Powell Associates Ltd can be a path out of major debt and the stress that comes along with collections calls. The calls won’t stop during the settlement process, but you’ll be working toward the day when your balances are squared away so collectors no longer have a reason to call in the future. The positive feedback in Freedom Debt Relief reviews shows many consumers have been able to achieve better peace of mind by systematically settling their debts through negotiation.
Debt Collectors Must Provide You Written Notice of the Debt
You can request that debt collectors send you a written notice of your debt. This is essentially a document that shows exactly how much they think you owe. It’s a good idea to get this even if you think you owe the amount being requested by the debt collector.
Seeing what information the collectors have about you can be a valuable resource. Plus, you might find some discrepancies in the materials they send you versus your own records.
Debt Collectors Must Provide Their Name and Company
It should be an immediate red flag if a debt collector won’t give you information about who they are or who they’re working for. Any legitimate debt collector will have no issues with telling you this information, as it’s required by law.
The only people who will give you the runaround here are scammers who are trying to take advantage of you. If someone knows you owe money, they might try to intimidate you in various ways, while not giving any information about themselves. You can report these people to authorities and try blocking their number to make it more difficult for them to contact you in the future.
No one wants to deal with debt collectors. But this is, unfortunately, something you might have to take on if you have debt. It’s important to know your rights before you speak to collections people.
