The best way to avoid debt collectors is to avoid getting into debt in the first place. But unfortunately, the prevailing economic condition has effected everyone badly, and in the current situation, it is hardly an option for many people to avoid debt. More and more people are finding themselves further in debt than ever.
The worse part is that when debt collectors harass people who are stuck in debt, they tend to make their conditions worse by falling into their traps and agreeing to their terms. Of course, it can be scary to be in debt, but if you know what to do when the collectors begin to call, you can minimize the damage that they do, both to your credit score and to your mental health.
Know the rules and regulations by which debt collectors must operate
Although you may not know, but actually, debt collection is a highly regulated practice. It also has its rules and regulations. And if your collector is breaking the rules in order to collect a debt from you, it may well qualify as harassment. Thus by knowing what a collector can and cannot do, you can report any harassment.
Report any calls that are not made between 8 Am to 9 PM
For example, it is thought by many people that it’s illegal for a collector to call during their dinnertime. However, this is not true. The government has set a time limit for debt collectors after which they can’t call. A debt collector can call between 8 AM to 9 PM. Any calls made outside this time should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission as urgently as possible.
Debt collector can’t call you whenever an wherever they want
Also, the government’s Act also limits the people who can be contacted regarding their debt, and where they can be contacted. For example, if you ask your debt collector not to call at your office as your employer does not allow you to receive calls regarding debt, then it becomes illegal for a collector to call you at work.
Debt collector cannot tell anyone about your debt amount
Moreover, although a debt collector can contact your friends and relatives in order to gain information about your whereabouts, they cannot inform them about the amount of debt that you have. It should be reported if they violate these rules as this would qualify as a breach of confidential information that might entitle you to damages.
Whenever a debt collector calls, be careful about the tone and the words used by the debt collector. A debt collector cannot use obscene language or give any threats because you are not paying your debt. Any such behavior is in violation of federal acts.
Other tactics used to avoid debt collectors
There are certain ways to avoid a debt collector. If you ask a collector to verify your debt, then according to the law, they are required to send you written confirmation of the debt you owe within the next 30 days. And until they do so, their collection attempts are bound to stop.
If you decide to make payments to the collector, ask for specific terms in writing, including the demand that the violation will be removed from your credit report once you are paid in full.
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