Abusive debt collection practices are not uncommon in this day and age - but the good news is that they are manageable as well. While it may seem close to the end of the world to have an unknown person issuing threats that seem unwarranted regarding a debt, don't let their words get the best of you. Instead, take time to learn your rights as a consumer, as well as the guidelines debt collectors must follow when trying to obtain payment.
Understanding Fair Debt Collection Practices
In order to know how you should be treated when debt collectors call, it's a good to familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act was created as a way to regulate collection activities and behavior because so many employees of collection agencies are poorly trained and are unaware that they may be taking part in abusive debt collection practices.
How to Handle Abusive Debt Collection Practices
There are a number of ways that you can handle what you perceive to be abusive debt collection practices. Here are a few:
- Determine whether the collection agency is violating the FDCPA. When the debt collector calls, if you feel as though any of your rights are being violated, it's important to recognize this fact.
- Ask the collector to stop calling you. If you feel your rights are violated, or you just don't want to be contacted via phone anymore, it's good to follow the FDCPA script which helps you explain that you don't want to be called anymore.
- Send a certified letter. Another option that you have is to send the collection agency a certified letter explaining that it is in violation of the FDCPA and/or your state's laws.
- File complaints. If the activity still doesn't stop, you can file a complaint with the FTC (www.ftc.gov), as well as your state's attorney general's office.
- Record the conversation. In many instances, abusive debt collection practices are your word against theirs. However, by recording conversations between you and the collector, you are protecting your rights as a consumer.
It's not unusual to feel uneasy when a debt collector calls. But you still have rights, so practice them by helping to put a stop to abusive debt collection practices.
