Dealing With Debt Collectors
Unfortunately debt collectors are often less than ethical. This has caused the government to pass legislation to protect you from unethical collection methods.
If the account they are contacting you about is accurate then you should ask for debt validation. This should be done in writing.
If you neglect to do this and ask for validation over the phone 99% of the time it will be completely ignored. Additionally send it certified mail so you have proof that they received your validation letter.
If you account is validated and is within the statute of limitations in your respective state then you can negotiate payment. Limitations are typically seven years from the first date of delinquency.
When negotiating a settlement payment you should never pay the full amount. This is because your account has been bought from the original creditor for just pennies on the dollar. We suggest you start your settlement offer at 50% of the balance.
The agencies will always accept partial payment. This is because there only way to recoup the money they spent on your account is by accepting your payment or selling it for a fraction of what they paid for it to another agency.
When you and the agency agree on a settlement payment you must get in writing from them that in exchange for your payment they will not report any negative information to the bureaus. If you fail to do this you will stop the phone call but you will have a whole new set of problems because of a damaged credit score.
If you just pay the debt it will be recorded as a paid collection. This is still a derogatory mark on your credit and will not improve your score.
Again, you must get in writing that negative information is not going to be posted to your report regarding the debt. Occasionally that negative information has already been reported you must get them to agree to remove it from your report.
If you do not do this there is no benefit to paying the collection. Additionally always pay with a paper check and no other form of payment. Just so you know you can actually use the memo line to repeat the agreed upon contract regarding the bureaus reporting, and once the check is cashed you will have a binding contract.
If you are being harassed by a collection agency you are not alone. Additionally they only can legally do so much. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act says that a debt collector can not;
- Threaten legal action (arrest, jail)
- Constant harassing calls
- Call your job (once asked not to)
- Claim to be anyone they are not
- Threaten to sue (unless they are taking legal action)
- Threaten to garnish wages or seize property (each state is specific about what is legal, often a court order is needed)
- Call your neighbors or family members and speak with them about your debt
- Only call between 8am and 9 pm
- Call you if you have said to them that you will not accept calls regarding this debt.
Often these regulations are ignored. If you have been a victim you should report the agency to the FTC and the Attorney General. A majority of collection agencies have been fined because of violation of the FDCPA.
Additionally you can file a lawsuit against the agency and be awarded monetary damages. Make sure to keep all communications in writing in case they are in violation.
For a free credit consultation call 1-866-246-7311. If you want information on how to deal with Midland Credit or Palisades Collection two common debt collectors visit us.
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Free Debt Consolidation Services Resources
If you are struggling with debt and in need of assistance. it can be close to impossible to swing paying out yet more money in order to get some help. Fortunately there are Free debt consolidation services available – a number of which would be to your advantage to check out.
Consolidated Credit Counseling Services. INC
Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Inc for example offers everything you need to begin to get your finances back in your control. Their free debt consolidation services cover credit card debt or any other debt problem you are dealing with.
The company was established in the early 1990’s and has become an industry leader in credit counseling and debt management programs nationwide. Their whole reason for being is to make it possible for people drowning in debt to end whatever financial crisis they’re experiencing so they can get back to their lives, debt free and wiser.
Consolidated Credit Services Inc. helps individuals solve money management difficulties through professional counseling and education. They not only deal with the debt you have now, they teach you how to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that brought you to them in the first place.
Debt Consolidation Care
Another free debt consolidation service is known as Debt Consolidation Care. Here financial coaches offer advice on consolidation and payday loans, dealing with creditors, collection agencies and more.
The financial advisers can help lower payments and interest, put a stop to collection calls, help you to avoid bankruptcy, end late fees and pay off your debt at once leaving you just one monthly payment to deal with. You’ll not only learn how to become free from your crushing debt, you’ll acquire the tools and knowledge to take steps to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past so you can live debt free from here on out.
Being deep in debt is one of the worst experiences to have to go through. Free debt consolidation services can help you take care of that debt so you can finally relax and learn to live debt free.
This article was put together by Frank Froggatt, an expert on non-profit debt consolidation If you got it bad and are suffering under a burden of debt, you can begin the process of freedom from financial bondage by visiting mydebtconsolidationsite.us.
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