How to Deal With a Harassing Collection Agency

Its never fun to fall behind on bills, but its even worse to pick up the phone and be harassed. Sadly, this happens to Americans every day. Depending on which collection agency buys your debt, you may come in contact with agents who will do whatever possible to get your money. All too often, this means that the agent will resort to harassment. While you may be intimidated at first, its important to remember that there are ways to deal with a harassing collection agency.

Instructions

1

Use your caller ID and answering machine. You dont have to answer the phone when a collection agency calls. Instead, use your caller ID and answering machine to avoid speaking to a harassing agent. Any time an unlisted number comes up on the ID, let the machine get it. Anyone with an important message will leave one.

2

Write a letter to the collection agency asking them to stop calling. Simply doing this over the phone will not work. You must send a registered letter to the company. Keep a receipt showing that you sent the registered letter. This can be used when you report the harassment.

3

Contact the Federal Trade Commission if the collection agency keeps harassing you. The FTC collects reports and uses them to further investigate collection agencies. If the collection agency has been harassing you, chances are it has harassed other debtors. If the FTC collects enough complaints, it can prosecute the agency.

4

Visit the Better Business Bureau website. The Better Business Bureau allows any consumer to file a complaint. A harassing collection agency must be reported. The BBB will help you deal with the problem and get the harassment to stop. Best of all, you will get the word out about the collection agency. Fellow consumers will be able to check the BBB and get an accurate picture of the company theyre dealing with.

5

Get a lawyer. If a collection agency refuses to stop the harassment, its time to get a lawyer. A lawyer can walk you through the steps to sue the collection agency. As a debtor, you have rights. Once a collection agency starts harassing you, you are then able to take the agency to court.