When you owe money to a creditor and you fail to pay your bill, you may start getting calls from a debt collector. While it may not be enjoyable to get these calls, you can make the best of it if you take the proper steps. Simply avoiding the debt collector will often lead to further issues.
Talk to the Collector
When you have a debt collector calling you repeatedly, it is very easy to try to ignore the calls. With caller ID on your phone, you most likely know when a debt collector is calling you. Instead of ignoring the debt collector, it is usually to your advantage to talk to him. Even if you do not want to talk every time he calls, at least talk to him the first time. Sometimes, you can work out a simple solution just by talking to him. Otherwise, the phone calls will not stop on their own.
Know Your Rights
In regards to being called by a debt collector, you have certain rights that must be upheld. If the debt collector violates these rights, he is in violation of the law. For example, debt collectors are not allowed to call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Debt collectors are also not allowed to threaten you or harass you while on the phone. They cannot make false claims such as claiming that they will put you in jail.
Get it in Writing
If you decide to talk to a debt collector, he may try to get you to agree to making a series of payments. If you work out a deal with the debt collector, you need to make sure that you get it in writing. Debt collection agencies are notorious for negotiating terms and then claiming that they did not later. Before you make a payment, make sure that you get a document in the mail that details the agreement.
Verify the Debt
When you are dealing with debt collectors, you also need to do your best to verify the debt. As soon as a debt collector calls you, you need to ask what the debt is and where it came from. It is not uncommon for debt collectors to get incorrect information. You might be getting calls for a debt that you have already paid. Ask the debt collector to send you a statement that outlines where the debt came from.
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