How to Stop Collection Calls

You've just sat down to dinner and the phone rings.  Another collection call. In fact, this may be the 10th time they have called today! Is there anything you can do about it? YES!

If a collector calls you about a debt, you need to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter. But be aware...

Collectors are professionals who have been trained with techniques to get you to send them money...PERIOD! They don't care about your circumstances or feel sorry about your problems, so don't wast time trying to explain.

If you cannot resolve the problem by phone (and most of the time you can't), then how can you get them to stop calling?

You will need to get the address of the collector in order to write a letter.  Asking the collector who called for this information usually is a waste of time as the collector knows that you are most likely going to send a request to stop calling you and they do not want you to do that.  Most collectors are paid by commission in relation to the amount of debt they can collect.

You should have received a statement or letter that will have the address of the collector. If not, you should receive one soon.  In the meantime, do not talk with them.  You may want to screen your calls using caller ID or simply turn off your ringer.  You can always listen to your messages later.

Once you have the address of the collector:

• Write a simple letter stating that you don't want the collector to contact you again. Be sure to include your name and account number.
• Make a copy of the letter for your records.  Send the signed orriginal letter by certified mail and make sure to pay for the "return receipt" so that you can document and prove that the collector received your request.
• When the collector receives the letter,they may only contact you once more. They will either call you to tell you that they received the letter and will not callyou again or to let you know how they intend to pursue collection of the debt in the future.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) clearly states what a debt collector may and may not do when contacting you in an attempt to collect a debt.  Harassment is the single most prohibitive action.  They cannot harass or use abusive language when speaking to you or when speaking to any third party that may be helping you.

For example:

• A creditor is NOT permitted to contact you before 8am or after 9pm.
• A creditor is NOT permitted to contact you at work after you have requested them not to by mail or fax.
• A creditor is NOT permitted to use obscene or profane language when speaking to you.
• A creditor is NOT permitted to make false statements, such as threatening to take actions that they cannot take or have not intention of pursuing.
• A creditor is NOT permitted to use threats of violence.
• A creditor is NOT permitted to publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts.

If you feel a collector has violated your rights, you may contact your state Attorney General's office www.naag.org and the Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov.

To learn more about debt collection practices and your rights under the law, visit http://bit.ly/9SxgYF.