Two Tips For Dealing With Debt Collectors

Debt collectors are just about as much fun to deal with as tax collectors. No one likes to get calls or letters asking for payments, especially if there is not enough money to make the payments. And, debt collectors have a reputation of being hard to talk to, being rude, and relentless with the number of calls they place. None of this behavior makes it easy to gather your thoughts and come up with a plan to repay debts, but you can get a break from collection activity if you take a few simple steps.

One sure way to get a debt collector to stop harassing you is to file for bankruptcy. But if you want to try other things first, here are two tips for dealing with debt collectors:

•         Send a written request for verification of the amount due, and identification of the original creditor. Debt collectors are just that, collectors. That means they are not the original lender you owed, and sometimes it can be hard to tell which creditor the collector is calling or writing about and which debt is being collected. You have a right to know this information, and can ask that collection actions cease until it is provided to you.

•         Send a written request that all communications cease and desist. You have the right to be free from harassment, and when you put that request in writing you can enforce it if not honored.

You should also consult with an attorney and allow them to field the calls on your behalf. This happens most times when you are preparing to file bankruptcy, and part of that process is to let your bankruptcy attorney know who you owe so they can include everything in your bankruptcy case. It is perfectly acceptable to have that attorney also take any calls from your creditors while your bankruptcy is being prepared. Our team of bankruptcy and debt management professionals has experience dealing with creditors, and is happy to take on that task for you while you get a breather. We understand how critical it is to have your wits about you when you are trying to pay off debt or file a bankruptcy case, and work with you to make the process as painless as possible.

If you have more questions about debt collection, contact us today at www.law-ri.com. We will help you get prepared for what comes after we file your case, and have multiple locations where we schedule appointments.