How to Be Debt and Collector Free
by Robert Sawtelle
The title 'debt
collector' is self explanatory and clearly states
what such a person does. If you owe money to a
lender and there has been a delay in payments over
the past few months the lender may choose to either
use their in-house service or employ a specialized
debt collection service provider.
If it is a third party i.e. a specialized collection
agency, they usually purchase your debts for less
than you owe from your lender and then the debt
becomes theirs and you are debt free from the
original lender. Therefore, they then have
vested interests in settling the same.
A debt collector may establish
contact with the borrower in person, via sealed
mail, telephone, fax or a telegram. He cannot use a
postcard as it can be read by anyone. He cannot also
call before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m., unless you
agree on a time.
The first call from the debt
collection agency has to be followed up by a written
statement clearly stating your creditor's name, the
actual amount owed and what action he can take if
you do not acknowledge the money owed. This written
letter must be accurate and have no false
information.
Also note, the debt collector cannot contact your
relatives, friends, neighbor etc unless to obtain
your contact information. In such circumstances he
cannot inform them that you are in debt. You are
entitled to your privacy even if you are in default.
 Remember
you cannot and should not force the debt collectors to coerce you
into making payments as per their demands. A number of collection
agencies work on the premise that the best way to get the payment is
to make sure that it becomes number one on your priority list. While
you know you owe the monies, you have to ensure that you clearly
prioritize your finances. If there is a greater and pressing need
for your money, like for medicines or food then you must allocate
the funds accordingly.
You can choose to directly negotiate with the debt
collector or appoint an attorney instead. If you deal directly, do
not feel compelled to offer private information that can be misused
to force payments from you. Example, details of where you work, your
personal account information and the like.
Always seek written communication from the debt collector instead of
phone conversations. This will put pressure on the collector to be
polite and accurate in his dealings with you. All agreed terms and
conditions will also be clearly outlined. The original amount owed,
along with any interests and fees should also be clearly mentioned.
It is also a good idea to tape your phone conversations after having
explicitly informed the collector when he calls that the same is
being recorded in order to verify your agreement and reach your goal
of debt freedom.
If your debt collector continues with his forceful methods you have a right to
redress. You can complain to the concerned authorities within your jurisdiction
and obtain relief.
The best way to counter force is through knowing the
facts and standing firm on them.
 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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