Posted on December 23, 2009 at 1:25 pm Hi I know there is a consumer rights (law) about getting debt collectors to stop calling  - can you give me the exact lines? Thank you!

Posted on December 23, 2009 at 1:40 pm "can you give me the exact lines? - getting debt collectors to stop calling"Exactly? Okay - you can find all you need to know about your rights here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm "If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter – even if you don’t think you owe the debt, can’t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don’t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector – in writing – to stop contacting you. Here’s how to do that: Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you’ll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt"

Posted on December 23, 2009 at 1:44 pm getting debt collectors to stop callingNever admit to the debt or be pressured into promising that you'd make any payment on that debt. The important thing is for it to be first validated.Know that upon the first contact, usually by phone, the collection agency is supposed to send you a letter containing: your debt amount, creditors info, and what you can do should you want that debt validated. And yes, do write them that cease and desist letter, especially if you think that there's been a mistake.

Posted on December 23, 2009 at 1:47 pm If they continue to call you after you've done all of those mentioned above, they're in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and so:"You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000, even if you can’t prove that you suffered actual damages. You also can be reimbursed for your attorney’s fees and court costs. A group of people also may sue a debt collector as part of a class action lawsuit and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector’s net worth, whichever amount is lower. Even if a debt collector violates the FDCPA in trying to collect a debt, the debt does not go away if you owe it."

Posted on December 23, 2009 at 1:49 pm If they persist?Also, where can I file that complaint if ever?And thank you for your replies,  I appreciate them.

Posted on December 23, 2009 at 2:30 pm You can contact your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) or  call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.If however, the debt is yours, is validated, you would have to pay that - or else you would be sued and may be slapped with a judgment.If you need to consult with a debt expert, destroydebt.com offers a free initial debt consultation, just fill out a form.