Handling Collection Agencies
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
1:46 am
Hello destroydebt, can you give a sort of a Handling Collection Agencies 101? How does one deal with them? How much power do they have over us?
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
1:49 am
Handling collection agenciesHey there, I gather that you're already getting collection calls? Have you received a letter from the collection agency yet? They're supposed to send you a letter containing the ff...:-amount that you owe-creditors info-what you can do to have that debt verified..within 5 days of their first contact with you.
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
1:57 am
Handling collection agenciesIs that really your debt they are trying to collect? If you are unsure, then request for it to be verified. If you are positive that it's not yours, what you can do is write them a cease and desist letter stating your wish for them to stop further contacting you with regards to that debt.
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
1:59 am
Handling collection agenciesI say - whether it's yours or not, have them verify it first. It is their job to do so; and whatever you do, remember not to admit to the debt nor promise to pay for it, not until they verify it.
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
2:14 am
Handling collection agenciesI agree with that, and the reason for not admitting to the debt unless its verified is that - it might reset clock or the statute of limitations on that debt (assuming that it's an old debt and the SoL on it has run out).To know about your state's SoL, go here: http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-by-State.html
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
2:17 am
What are some consumer rights - that the consumer should know - that might be of help, in handling the pesky collection agencies?
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
2:24 am
Handling collection agencies - Can they contact you anytime and any place?Nope. Not before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you give them permission to. Collectors may also not contact you at work (especially if they’re told that employees are not allowed to take such calls). Can the collectors contact other people about my debt?Once yes, but only to obtain information with regards to your whereabouts. They may contact your spouse or your attorney and discuss the debt with them though.
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
2:43 am
Handling collection agencies - What they are not allowed to do or tell you-harassment (shouldn't threaten you, share your info to others, curse or use abusive talk, etc.)-false statements (shouldn't claim to be lawyers if they aren't and shouldn't indicate that the papers sent you are legal papers, misrepresent their agency or info about your debt, say that they're from the major credit reporting bureau, etc.)
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
2:47 am
Handling collection agencies - w here to report violation of these rights?You may contact your state Attorney General’s office www.naag.org and the Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.govAnother good question to ask is, can the consumers sue the collection agency? The answer is yes, and if they are found guilty, the judge can require them to pay you for damages - $1,000 + (but you have to have proof)
Posted on
November 19, 2009
at
2:50 am
Another way of handling collection agencies - if you owe the debt - is to negotiate.You can do it yourself or you can employ the services of a credit counseling agency or a debt settlement company. Get rid of the debt once and for all.If you want to get matched up to the right program and company, please feel free to fill out a form here at destroydebt.com and speak with a deb consultant.
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