How to Talk to Debt Collectors

Speak to debt collectors from the standpoint that they don't hold all of the cards. As a consumer, you have protections under the U.S. Fair Debt Collection Practices act that controls when and how debt collectors can contact you. The law also prevents collectors from harassing or threatening consumers to force them to pay their debts. You also can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or sue a collector who breaks the law while trying to get you to pay a debt.

Instructions

1

Resist the temptation to take the collector into your confidence by explaining all of the financial hardships you've had. Remember, a debt collector solely focuses on getting consumers to pay delinquent debts. Only give collectors information they need to know during your first conversation with them by verifying your name and address and nothing more.

2

Refrain from divulging personal information, such as your place of employment, despite the collector's efforts to goad you into it. Tell the collector you won't provide more information and that you instead want him to send you a written notice verifying the debt as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Ask for the collection company's phone number and address and don't discuss the debt any further.

3

Decide what you're going to do about the debt after you receive the written notice you requested. Send a letter to the collection company by certified mail and request that the agency stop contacting you if you determine that the debt isn't yours or you paid it at an earlier date. Tell the collector to stop calling you if he calls again before the company receives your letter. Say "goodbye" and hang up if the collector attempts to continue the conversation.

4

Inform the collector you can't repay the debt if you know it's your debt but you are unable to make any payments on it. Tell the collector that you will address the situation when you are able to make payments. End the conversation if the collector continues to press you for a payment; promising to pay when you can't afford to do so will make the situation worse. Avoid further collector calls by sending a certified letter to the collection company to tell the company to contact you by mail only in the future.

5

Negotiate an amount you can afford to pay or pay off the debt if you can afford to do so. Tell the collector exactly what you can pay, either in one lump sum or in monthly payments. Stand your ground if the collector pushes you to pay more by telling the collector you won't agree to a payment plan you can't afford. Insist that the collector send you any payment arrangement you make in writing before sending your payments.