Get Protection from Debt Collectors

Stress From a Debt Collector

Anyone who is in debt knows that a debt collector is capable of bringing more stress than the debt itself brings. These people are not habitually used to such practices. These people have purchased your debt from the original lender at a lower price and are trying to recover the same for a profit. They may not be getting paid a good salary for doing so, however.

They are more than likely working on commissions on the recoveries that they make. As such, debt collectors will make every attempt to recover the money from you. They are likely to make mistakes or go against the law in trying to do so. When dealing with a debt collector you should understand your rights. There are instances of people being harassed for debts they did not owe. Because they knew their rights, they have gone against, and won, judgments against these debt collectors. These are the things you should be aware off.

Your Basic Rights

First of all, you must understand that a debt collector may only contact you between the hours of 8 AM and 9 PM; not before or after. If they want to verify your residential address, they may contact your employer once. You can take action against them if they insist on doing so consistently. They cannot contact or share information about your debt with your neighbors.

Do not forget to maintain a log of all contacts made, along with the time, for your records. You may request the debt collector to stop sending you written correspondence. You will be able to do this by sending them a letter yourself. Retain a copy of the letter for your records. They may contact you in writing if they want to pursue further action in the form of a lawsuit.

Make Sure the Debt is Yours

If you ever feel that you have been wrongly targeted for your debt, you have the right to ask for proof that the debt exists from the collectors. A period of 30 days is allocated to you to make this request after you receive the first notice.

Upon a request being received a debt collector is obliged to provide you with the name of the original lender, the money owed and your name on the lender’s documents. Time limits for replies to be sent have not been set. Debt collectors must provide all information about their companies. They are also required to inform you about who they are collecting the money for and the outstanding amount they are trying to recover. They cannot resort to threats or represent themselves in a misleading manner under any circumstances. They are not allowed to take the law into their own hands.

If you have a lawyer representing your case, you may ask them to cease all further contact. Information about themselves that is not true cannot be passed and your case cannot be discussed with people not associated with the debt by them. You can make a complaint with the attorney general of your state and seek legal remedies against the debt collector, if you feel that you have been a target of undue harassment.