How to Handle Harassing Collection Agency Calls
In addition to sending debt collection letters, a collection agency that has your phone number will almost certainly begin calling you on a daily basis, inquiring about how and when you intend to pay off your outstanding debts. While the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act specifically prohibits debt collectors from engaging in any activity a consumer could construe as harassment, such as calling at odd hours or using abusive language, the practice still occurs. You have the right to use federal consumer protection laws to handle harassing telephone calls from collection agencies.
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Instructions
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Answer the phone the next time the collection agency calls you. Inform the debt collector you speak with of times and places that are inconvenient for you to receive phone calls from the company. Some collection agencies will respect your verbal request and only call you at times you specify.
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Write a letter to the collection agency if it fails to adhere to your request. Include that you no longer wish to receive telephone calls from the company. Notify the company that if it continues to contact you following receipt of the letter, it is violating the FDCPA's consumer protections laws.
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Mail your letter to the collection agency using certified or registered mail and ask for a return receipt. A return receipt provides you with proof that the company did, in fact, receive your written demand that the telephone calls stop.
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Tips & Warnings
After receiving your letter, the collection agency may contact you via mail to inform you of any specific action it intends to take, such as filing a lawsuit or returning the debt to the original creditor.
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