How to Deal with Multiple Debt Collectors

Consumers are protected from being harassed by debt collectors by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA. This includes not being contacted before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., not being repeatedly contacted at your workplace if you're not allowed to receive calls, and not having your debt discussed with anyone other than yourself. This doesn't mean that you won't be contacted, though, and if you have multiple debt collectors contacting you, it can be overwhelming and stressful. The FDCPA provides methods for getting debt collector contact to cease.

Instructions

1

Speak to each debt collection agency once to find out what creditor it represents --- if it's a third-party debt collection agency --- how much the agency says you owe and what address you should use to send a "cease contact" letter. Write down this information, along with the name of the person you spoke to and the date and time you spoke with the debt collector.

2

Compare the information you've written down to the mail you've received from each debt collector. Debt collection agencies are required to mail a letter to you within five days of their initial phone contacts. This letter should include the name of your creditor, the amount you owe and who to contact if the debt isn't yours. Review the letter for any discrepancies and to confirm whether the debt is actually yours.

3

Write each debt collection agency. If the debt owed is yours, write a letter asking the debt collector to stop contacting you. If the debt owed isn't yours, write a letter asking for the debt to be validated, which means that the debt collection agency has to obtain proof that the debt is yours --- a signed contract, for example. Make a copy of each letter, then mail each letter by certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the letter was received. After receiving your cease contact letter, debt collectors can only contact you for two reasons: to let you know there will be no further contact and to let you know the creditor is taking action, like filing a lawsuit.

4

Review your current income and expenses and determine how much you can afford to pay toward any debts that are yours. Write each debt collector with an offer of how much you can pay, and whether it's a lump some or monthly payments. Make copies of all correspondence and send it certified mail with a return receipt. You may want to initially offer less than you can afford so there is room for negotiation, according to the financial information website Bankrate.

5

Keep all correspondence you receive from the debt collection agencies. If you pay off a debt, make sure you have a letter that states the debt is paid.