Suggestions to Steer Clear of Debt Harassment

Agencies for Debt-Collection are companies; wherein consumers’ debts are transferred by creditors. The collectors in turn call up the consumer to discuss the debt which is due to the primary creditor. The end user and debt-collector work out an ideal payment plan that is most suitable to the consumer. However, at times things might go awry and the crafty collector starts harrowing you. This is the time for you to fight it out with him. The following are the weapons of war-

         The Primary Contact
 
         Within a period of 5 days, after the initial contact on the telephone with you, the collectors should send a notice in writing to you declaring the lawful debt sum and the name and address of the original creditor. This should also comprise of a statement which notifies that if you do not dispute the debt’s validity within a period of 30 days, debt collectors would presume that the debt is valid. If the debt-validity is disputed in writing within the 30-day time period, the collectors would have to stop interaction with the customer unless the debt collector obtains proof about the debt of the consumer from the initial creditor. There are fixed calling hours from 8 am to 9 pm during which the collectors can call the consumers.

         Third- party Communication

         Debt collectors communicating with third parties with regard to the consumer’s debt should introduce themselves and make their intentions clear about verifying the consumer’s location. However, the debt collectors cannot disclose any information about the consumer’s outstanding debt to any third party. Not more than one contact can be initiated with the third party and the collectors cannot contact consumer at his workplace.

         Incorrect representation

         False identities cannot be used by debt collectors in order to collect debt. False claims of being attached to a financial or government agency, overstatement of the debt amount owed or alleging to be an attorney of the creditor are some examples. They can also not threaten to impose criminal charges or publish your name in any list. They cannot suggest that you are a criminal if you are not paying debts.
            
         Seeking support
          
          A complaint can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassant.gov ,else you can call this number -1-877-FTC-HELP.Using this site, you can trace your state office.