Are Debt Collectors Harassing You?
How to Make Them Stop!
by Robert
Sawtelle
If you've been a victim of job loss, medical
emergency or other cause of income loss, you may be one of the millions of
individuals facing a pile of debts that you cannot cover. Miss one or two
payments and you can expect to get a call from a debt collector.
Calls from debt collectors trying to find you at your place
of employment can be humiliating. You may already be screening your calls, your
chest tightening as you realize it's them - again.
While not every debt collector is unsympathetic and berating
they likely do have to steel themselves for many of the sad stories given to
them as explanations for past due debts. They are also frequently rewarded for
their efforts in collecting the debt with a commission based on the amount
obtained. It is easy to see why it is not uncommon for individuals who are
already in a desperate state to fear encounters with the more aggressive
collectors who are determined to get their fees.
"What Are They Allowed to Do?"
 Debt
collectors are allowed to contact you by in person, by mail, by telegram, by fax
and by phone; at home or at work - unless they know your employer would
disapprove. They may also not contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless
you have agreed to the contact at that time.
They must contact your attorney unless you don't have one.
They may then contact other people to find out your telephone number, work place
or address, but in most cases they are not allowed to inform them that you owe
money or contact them more than once.
"What If I Don't Want to be Contacted?"
Whether or not you actually owe a debt you can write a
letter to the collector telling them to stop contact. They may then contact you
only once to inform you that they will make no further contact or to tell you
what action may be taken against you.
Stopping contact will not clear the debt. If you do not
believe you owe the debt make that clear in your letter.
"What Can I Do If I Am Harassed?"
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has a Fair Debt
Collection policy to protect consumers. Knowing your rights will put off even
the most determined collector since they already know the law and are pressing
you on the assumption that you don't.
Debt collectors are NOT allowed to harass, abuse or oppress
you or other individuals on your behalf - that includes obscene language,
threats of violence or repeated calling in an effort to annoy.
They are not allowed to misrepresent themselves as
government agents, attorneys or representing a credit bureau if they are not.
They cannot imply they are sending legal documents if they aren't or that you've
committed a crime, if you haven't.
They cannot imply legal action, including seizing property
or garnishing wages unless they are legally allowed and intend to do so.
You can find out more about your rights from the FTC. If you
want to report an agent you can do so by contacting the FTC or your Attorney
General. If they are breaking the law you have the right to sue.
 About
the Author: Robert Sawtelle is an author, teacher, and researcher. If you would
like more information for DEBT RELIEF send for his FREE newsletter at the top of
this page. You may contact Robert at
RobertSawtelle@digitaldataplease.com
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