Combat Collector Collection Calls Five Tips

In our last article we provided insider information and training tips collection agencies are using against delinquent consumers to collect on debts. Here, we’re going to give you some ammunition of your own to combat collectors.

Let’s first identify who our collectors are. Chances are the collector behind the dial tone is working off an auto dialer. This means their computer has a list of debtors and every time the line disconnects the computer automatically dials another debtor. While that call is being processed the collection agent reads over the basic information regarding the debtor and debt in question. Collectors are very aggressive for one reason and one reason only. MONEY. Most collection agencies employ entry level customer service reps for minimum wage and offer a commission incentive for any payment they get over the phone. Its life or death for most collectors who are dependent on earning commissions from collection efforts.

One: Avoid collection all together. If you’re falling behind you can be proactive and give your creditor a heads up. An account usually isn’t sold to a collection agency until multiple consecutive payment shave been missed. Call you creditor in the first month of being late and see if you can make internal arrangements until the account is current again.

Two: Know your rights. The United States Federal Trade Commission has published several articles designed to educate consumers about their rights against collection harassment under the FDCPA, or Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Get updated on your rights under the FDCPA and you’d be surprised how may collection agencies are violating your rights. Harassing phone calls, threats, and abusive language are illegal and should be reported to the FTC and your State Attorney General’s office immediately with as much detail as possible regarding the instance.

Three: Keeping copious notes. It’s a good idea to create a file for your debts or bills in collections and retain all correspondences regarding the debt for at least five years, or as long as you would keep your tax records. When making or receiving calls with collection agencies get as much information as you can. If able, record your calls but advise the collector you’re doing so beforehand.

Four: Check your checkbook. Do not ever provide your banking information over the phone to set up a payment for a later date. Collection companies are notorious for changing the payment amount or date to accommodate their needs and quotas. If your payment doesn’t clear on the designated date most agencies will make another attempt without first advising. Also, keeping Social Security and Disability payments in a separate account is also a good idea as they are exempt and cannot be used as a source for court ordered debt paybacks.

Five: Outsourcing. Working with a 3rd payment debt management agency, preferably nonprofit, is probably the easiest way to alleviate any and all calls and payment requests. A nonprofit organization will provide a free counseling session where they review your credit report for free and help sort through your bills to develop an affordable payback plan that’s within your monthly budget.

Speak to a certified credit counselor today for a free debt consultation and learn how you can better combat collection calls and improve your credit with nonprofit counseling services. A certified credit counselor will outline and detail your rights under the FDCPA to help stop collection calls. Live Chat with a counselor today on our website freedomdm.org or complete the contact request form to make an appointment with a counselor. Call 800.905.1563 and get a free credit report review and budget analysis to help improve credit and stop creditor and collection harassment. Nonprofit counseling services can help you be debt free in 5 years and build back your credit score while doing so. You can be debt free, Freedom Debt can help.

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