How to Rid Yourself of Calls from Collection Agencies
A collection agency is a third party company that buys past due debts from creditors. Creditors stop collection attempts after several months of non-payment. While creditors may write-off these debts, collection agencies can work to recover these funds. Agencies are relentless and they employ several tactics to persuade a debtor to make payment, including calling a debtor's house. If you're dealing with endless calls, however, you can put a stop to the debt collection attempts.
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Instructions
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Notify the collection agency in writing to stop calling your house or business. Collection agencies can continue to send debt collection letters, but upon your request, they must cease telephone communication.
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Tell the collection agency to validate the debt, or stop calling your house. Debt collection agencies typically buy old debts, and then attempt to collect payment from debtors. If you can't recall a debt, submit a written request asking the agency to verify the debt within 30 days. Collection agencies must cease collection attempts if they cannot confirm that you owe the funds.
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Pay the debt to stop the calls. If you actually owe the debt, get collection agencies off your back by satisfying the bill. Pay the debt in full, or negotiate a debt settlement to satisfy the debt for less than the balance.
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Alert creditors to your bankruptcy filing. After filing bankruptcy papers, the court notifies your creditors and debt collectors, and they must stop debt collection attempts. If a collection agency calls prior to receiving notification of your bankruptcy filing, inform them of your pending bankruptcy. A bankruptcy provides protection from collection agencies and stops calls and collection letters.
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Tips & Warnings
Debt collectors can only contact you between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, debt collection agencies cannot employ any illegal practices to collect a debt, including impersonating law enforcement, making threats, using profanity, or giving false statements about the debt you owe or who they are. If you feel a debt collection agency violated your rights under the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Just because you stop the debt collection phone calls does not mean you are still not liable for your debt. An agency can file a lawsuit against you for the debt balance. Derogatory credit information can stay on your credit report for up to seven years; bankruptcy can stay for up to 10 years.
