Hi. I am Gary Nitzkin. I am an attorney with Credit Repair Lawyers of America.
There is always going to be a debate about whether a debt is good or bad, but what we can all agree on; is that debt collector harassment is a bad thing. If you are being harassed by debt collectors, you are not alone, and the fact that it’s getting on your nerves, is no fault of yours either.
Debt collector harassment happens in the form of intimidation, coercion, abuse, and bullying all in an attempt to make you pay off a debt that, at times, may not even be yours. A lot of people have blocked some phone numbers just to stop debt collector calls; the kind of phone calls that come early in the day and end up sinking your mood. Credit collection harassment doesn’t just happen over the phone though; debt harassment can also come in the form of emails, texts, direct messages, and could also go as far as involving your close friends.
The good news is that you are NOT helpless. Here are five ways to stop debt collector harassment.
- Know your rights
A lot of people know their rights when dealing with law enforcement officials, but are clueless about their rights in different other situations. It is very important to know that you are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The law shields people from bill collector harassment. The law articulates when, where and how debt collection agencies may contact you, and how to make them stop.
- Be proactive while dealing with collector agencies
When you get those harassing creditor calls, collect information on the debt collector. Get the name and address of the bill collector, and ask for an official letter that proves that the debt exists. If the claim is legitimate, send a cease and desist letter to the bill collector, telling them to stop contacting you.
- Do your due diligence
Collection companies that engage in bill collector harassment may be slow in giving their name and address. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have a right to know who is attempting to collect from you. Ensure that they know that you are aware of your rights under the law. Their name and address should be on every communication with you, if they are a legitimate entity.
- Get a Free Consumer Rights lawyer
Getting a debt harassment attorney is a good move if harassment calls from bill collectors have gotten to your last nerve. Legal counsel is a great thing to have. It should cost you nothing to get the services of a Consumer Rights attorney. A debt collector harassment lawyer will educate you more on your rights and might even sue a debt collector for harassment.
- File a complaint
Another way to stop creditor harassment is by filing a complaint with business tracking agencies like consumer affairs, Better Business Bureau, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A good number of complaints will trigger the government to begin federal investigation proceedings.
Do not bow in the face of collections harassment. You can take these actions and free yourself of the headache. Make the right decisions and take control.
If you are harassed by a debt collector or even think you are being harassed, contact Attorney Gary Nitzkin at Credit Repair Lawyers of America. You can reach gary at [email protected] or calling (248) 353-2882. Call today to for a free, no obligation consultation.
