5 Things to Do When Debt Collectors Harass You

Debt collectors have the right to collect their debts, but under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they don’t have the right to harass or abuse you in the process. The law prohibits debt collectors from harassing you, making false statements, or engaging in other unethical practices. Plus, the state in which you live may have additional laws that set rules and regulations for debt collectors.

If you are being harassed by debt collectors, here are five things you can do to stop it:

1. 1Answer the phone. Ignoring it will only put off the inevitable and actually make the situation worse.
2. 2If you don’t believe the debt is yours, ask the collector to send you the details of the debt in writing.
3. 3If the debt is yours, work out a payment plan that you can abide by (don’t make a promise you can’t keep) and ask for the agreement in writing, signed by the debt collector. If the debt is not yours, respond within 30 days in writing as to why you are contesting it.
4. 4If the harassing calls keep coming, write a cease and desist letter. According to the law, a debt collector must stop contacting you if you send one. This won’t get you out of your debt obligation, but it will make the incessant phone calls stop. Here are some examples of letters you can use.
5. 5If you believe the debt collector has crossed the line into harassment or abuse, contact an attorney to represent you. The abuse will stop, and he or she will help you obtain the compensation you are owed.

When a debt collector crosses the line you should contact an attorney that specializes in fair debt collection law. Once you have an attorney, a debt collector cannot continue to contact you directly, and they must interact with the attorney only. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted to stop unfair practices that are unfortunately all too common. Lemberg & Associates attorneys are well versed in the Act, will stand by you if you need to sue the collector in court, and will help you recover any financial damages you have incurred. In addition, the law states that you could be awarded up to $1,000, plus court costs and attorney’s fees, if the debt collector violates the law. If you have a solid claim against a collector, you shouldn’t have to pay your attorney a dime.