How to Stop the Harassment of Credit Card Companies

Many credit card companies make courtesy calls for the purpose of collecting their debt if it is past due. In some cases, creditors employ abusive tactics that are considered harassment. If a creditor is addressing you in an abusive manner or calling your job, you can request that they stop. If the creditor doesn't stop harassing you after your request, you may file a complaint. Don't allow yourself to be stressed by harassing calls.

Instructions

1. Tell the caller to stop calling. You have a right to demand that any credit card collection company stop harassing you. Get the name of the caller and record the date and time of the call. Advise the caller of the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA) that protects you from harassing calls. Get the address of the caller to submit a written request. In your request, be sure to state that you want all harassing calls to cease. Keep a copy of the request for your records.

2. File a written complaint. If the creditor continues to harass you after you request that they stop, submit a written complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Provide details in your letter, such as numerous calls to your job that constitute harassment.

3. Send a copy of the letter to the creditor that is harassing you. The FTC will review your case and determine whether or not you have a case. The creditor will be forced to stop the harassing calls if your claim is valid. You may sue the creditor in small claims court if the creditor doesn't comply with the FTC.

4. Consult an attorney. If your credit card debt is very high, it may be worth your time to seek legal advice. If you are not able to pay the debt, an attorney can advise the best way to deal with the harassing calls and resolve your credit card debt.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decide to record a harassing phone call, check the laws in your state to determine if it can be legally used as evidence.

• Don't give any caller, claiming to be a collection agent, your personal information such as your social security number or your checking account information.

• If you don't make payment arrangements, credit card companies are able to bring a judgment against you.

References

• FTC: Consumer debt collection

Resources

• Credit harrassment advice