Tips for Dealing with Debt Collectors to Avoid Unlawful Treatment
Debt collectors are persons responsible for collecting debt for creditors such as phone companies and others. In this case, debt collectors may work directly for the phone company. They may also work on behalf of debt collection agencies. They will put pressure on you to pay the required bills but must operate within the required legal limits to avoid harassment to citizens. Assignment of debt is a situation where the person owed money switches places with a third party. In this case, phone companies often act by assigning your debt to the existing debt collector. To help you know the boundaries and limits of debt collectors, here are some quick facts and tips to learn.
What Debt Collectors Should Do
All debt collectors are mandated by the law to contact you by various means including phone, email, letter, social media, or paying you a visit in person. However, your privacy must be respected at a personal level. The law provides some specific restrictions on the frequency of visit and the timing of phones calls, and other communication modes. In-person visits should always be employed as the last resort if they have confirmed that you unreachable via all other communication means. The visits should also be conducted between specific hours, preferably from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to avoid barging into your house at wee hours.
What Debt Collectors Should Not Do
It is unacceptable and unlawful for any debt collector to disclose your personal and financial situation, or even their identity as debt collectors to another person or organisation unless you authorise them. Debt collectors are not supposed to harass you by using offensive conduct or language. They are not supposed to threaten you in any way whether physically or emotionally and should never trespass your private property, which includes remaining on your property after you ask them to leave. It is unlawful for debt collectors to use any false, deceptive and misleading statements. They are supposed to avoid engaging in any form of misleading conduct. Debt collectors should not take advantage of any disabled persons for the reason of age, illness, illiteracy or any other circumstance.
How to Complain About Misconduct by Debt Collectors
You should contact the nearest police or security agency within your state if a debt collector is engaging in any of the above-mentioned behaviour.
What Your Options Are When Contacted by a Debt Collector
When contacted by a debt collector, the sooner you settle the debt, the simpler you make your life. In addition, when contacted you can dispute existence of the debt, dispute indicated amount, and negotiate a payment plan.
Click here to read more about debt collectors and what you should expect when working with them.
