How to Stop Harassing Phone Calls From Creditors And Collectors

Have you ever been embarrassed at your place of work because a collection company is contently calling you? Do you jump whenever your phone rings? If so, then there are a few ways to get debt collectors and creditors to stop phoning you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• www.DebtSkinny.com

1. Write A Letter To The Collector:
   Congress recently enacted federal legislation that regulates debt collectors and collection attorneys and protects the rights of debtors (you). This law, The FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), requires that debt collectors and attorneys stop phoning you at home and at work once you ask them to stop. Here’s the hitch, The law specifies that your request must be in writing, therefore, you should tell them to stop calling you at home and at work the next time they call, and then be sure to follow that up with a certified letter, return receipt requested.
   
   Here a sample telephone script you can use:
   Collector: Can I speak with (your name)?
   
   You: This is (your name).
   
   Collector: Hi, Mr/Mrs.(your name). I’m So-and-So calling from ABC Collections. I’m calling about your delinquent credit card account with ABC Bank. Can you make a payment of $50 by check over the phone today?
   
   You: No, As I told you before, I’m not working and can’t afford it right now. I request that you not contact me by phone in the future. I don’t want any more phone calls from you or your company at work or at home and I ask you to communicate with me only in writing from this point forward.
   
   Collector: Your request is noted.
   
   You: Thank you, Goodbye.
   
   If the creditor or collection agency refuses to cooperate with your request you might have to quote the law itself.
   
   Here is what you can say:
   The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that you stop phoning me at home and at work once I request that you do so. I will be sending you a certified letter putting my no contact request in writing. If you continue to call me, then I will file a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and the attorney general.
   
   Note: Collectors do have the right to call you after you request them to stop if the status of your account changes. But usually they will do it in writing.

2. Use “TrapCall” To Block Callers:
   Here is what Jeff Wilson, Sr Debt Annalist at Debt Free Associates had to say about it “I always have all of my clients sign up for http://www.trapcall.com check it out, it is probably the single most valuable tip available to block out 80% of the creditor phone calls. try it out and bust that debt!”. This software is great for finding out who’s really behind those blocked numbers. For more information please visit their website at http://www.trapcall.com.

3. Block Calls Directly From Your Cell Phone Service Provider:
   Many cell phone carriers will allow you to block up to 5 phone numbers at no additional cost to you. you will need to create a log of the creditors and the phone numbers they call from. Then call your service provider (Verizon Wireless for example) and tell them that you would like to block those numbers from calling you.

4. Get enrolled in a good Debt Solution Program:
   If you’ve read this far then you should probably find a good debt relief company to help you eliminate not only the harassing phone calls but your debt as well. NetDebt.com is the online debt settlement company I work for and the only one that I can honestly recommend. NetDebt gives you options by offering both debt settlement and debt management programs. For more information and to see if you qualify simply visit www.netdebt.com.

Tips & Warnings

• For laws and rules on how often and when collectors can call you refer to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) interpretation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Section 806(5).
• Debt collectors can only legally contact you between reasonable hours. Reasonable hours usually are between 8 in the morning and 9 at night.
• If you don't want collectors calling you at your place of employment, you can instruct them not to call you at work. They must abide by this order or they may be in violation of state and/or Federal law.
• If you don't take control of the situation, your life can be taken over by harassing calls from creditors or their collection representatives.

Resources

• DebtSkinny.com
• NetDebt.com

[gntlben]

on 4/23/2009 Great article. Five stars.

[joyce300]

on 4/23/2009 5* How appropriate for our new economy. Should get lots of hits.

[laurab1411]

on 4/22/2009 Great read! thanks for the wonderful advice!

[ShariJo1960]

on 4/22/2009 Good to know. Thanks for the article.

[kp3028]

on 4/22/2009 Debt is a terrible problem. You need the help of a lawyer, even though it ads to your expenses to protect your rights. Handling it alone, doesn't always mean you are protected.