|
|
|||||||
| Home Page |
|||||||
Deal With Debt Collectors Head OnWhile many people deal with their debt collectors by avoiding their mailbox and screening their calls, there are some definite benefits to dealing with your creditors in a more proactive way. If you can deal with them head on, you may be able to save yourself money and unneeded stress. The best way to deal with debt collectors is to educate yourself. It is important to know what debt collectors can and can't do and how you are protected as a consumer. First of all, if you're having trouble paying your creditors, go to them and try to negotiate a more reasonable deal in the short or long term. They want their money and are likely to try and help a proactive customer. If you find your creditor is unwilling to compromise, there are some other routes you can take, such as envelope budgeting or debt consolidation to try and get your head above water. If your creditor begins to harass you for your unpaid debts, there are some things that you should know to protect yourself. While many creditors follow the stringent guidelines set out by debt collection laws, others will employ sneaky and illegal tactics to get their money. These creditors will play upon your fear and ignorance to get their money through abusive and harassing collection measures. That's why you need to know your rights as a credit consumer. You can learn about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act at the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Web site. The Act is a statute of the Consumer Credit Protection Act and it exists to protect you from abusive practices relating to debt collection and to provide you and other consumers with a way to protest or dispute different issues. The Act also defines the way in which debt collectors may do business, the rights of consumers and the penalties of violating the Act. To protect yourself, review the following information regarding what debt collectors may not do when attempting to collect a debt (this behavior is deemed as either abusive or deceptive): – Telephoning you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. – Contacting you after receiving written notice that you wish no further contact or refuse to pay the amount (Note: the collector may contact you to indicate collection efforts are being terminated or for litigation purposes) – Contacting you at work, especially if you have specifically requested that they do not – Misrepresenting themselves to gain access to you – Misrepresenting the debt – Publishing your name or address on a bad debt list – Threatening you with arrest or legal action – Swearing at you or using abusive language – Discussing the nature of your debt with others – Recording false information in a credit report or threatening to do so If you feel like you've been mistreated by a creditor visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site to file a complaint.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Tags: Debt Management, Debt Help, Debt Relief, Budgeting, Family Budget, Reduce Debt, Budget Help Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/deal-with-debt-collectors-head-on-53807.html About the Author:
© 2006, Kathy Burns-Millyard. For Additional Information, Tips and Advice about dealing with debt collectors, please see "Dealing with Debt Collectors" at FinancialTrap.com, or get fast debt help at MendMyDebt.com
Related ArticlesWhy Not Try Envelope Budgeting? Debt Dangers: 10 Warning Signs of Debt Problems Debt Management Strategies Learning How to Accelerate Your Debt Payment How to Get Help With Debt and Gain Back Control of Your Finances The Definition of Debt Consolidation Loans Get Your Budget Off The Ground... FAST Debt Management- Steps to Set your Money Straight Got a Question? Ask.Ask the community a question about this article:Frequently Asked Questions Ganz Birthstone Cross Pin Can someone recommend someone in NYC who can help ... Help with outstanding non secure loans Wwhat are the budgetings of sun city IRS Debt Debt Management Programs Latest Non-Fiction ArticlesBook Marketing: the Day That is Different for Your Career Strategy In the Lap of the Gods 22 A Week in the Life of the Single Working Mother Why You Should Write for Free Why You Should Write for Free Becoming a Reporter is Easy Writing it Down The Modern Lily Tomlin More from Kathy Burns-millyardCommon Dog Diseases and Parasites How to Deal With a Dog's Excessive Barking Weight Loss Tip: Don't Eat With Your Emotions 7 Fun Activities to Help You Lose Weight 5 Holiday Weight Loss Tips & Their Reality Checks Weight Loss Tip: Read & Understand Food Labels An Overview of The South Beach Diet Gift Ideas for Devoted Christians |
|||||||
|
Article Categories
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||