Contacted By Debt Collectors Know Your Rights
First, it is important you know the rules debt collectors are supposed to follow. The most obvious are when the collector can contact you. Collectors are not allowed to call you before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night. Any calls outside of this time means you can file a complaint.
Even if a collector does call you within this time frame you can ask them to stop. Ask the collector for their mailing address and mail a letter to the agency. You want to make it clear in your letter you do not wish to be contacted again.
It is important to know that if you ask them to stop calling, it doesn’t mean your debts are resolved. You should also ask for the company to verify the debt. This means that the company must provide you proof of your debt balance and name of original creditor within 30 days. If they fail to provide this information or violate the no-contact request you can file a complaint.
If the company verifies your debt you must take action to resolve it. Ignoring a verified debt is going to damage your credit and can even prevent future loans.
Other grounds for filing a complaint are:
- uses of threats of violence or harm
- publishing your information as a shame tactic
- using obscene or profane language
- making false statements about who they are
- making false statements about your debts
- threatening wage garnishment or asset seizure
- calling you a criminal or threatening jail time
- attempts to charge you interest or penalty fees
If you are contacted by debt collectors know your rights. Contact a Fairfield bankruptcy lawyer. We will review your debt relief options and stop credit collections.