The Stress that Debt Collectors bring
Anyone who is in debt knows that a debt collector is capable of bringing more stress than the debt itself brings. These are not people who are habitually used to such practices. These are people who have probably purchased your debt at a lower price from the original lender and are now trying to recover the money for a profit. They may be getting paid a poor salary for doing so, however. Debt collectors are usually paid commissions on the money they manage to recover.
Under the circumstances, they will make every attempt to recover the money from you. In the process, they will either make mistakes or go against the law. You too have certain rights, which you should know about when dealing with a debt collector. Harassment of people not owning debts is a common occurrence in such instances. As people knew their rights, they have gone against and won, judgments against these debt collectors. Here is what you need to know.
Understand Your Basic Rights
First of all, you must understand that a debt collector may only contact you between the hours of 8 AM and 9 PM; not before or after. They are authorized to contact your employer for verification of your residential address once. But if they persist with such actions consistently, you have a right to act against them. They should not contact your neighbors in relation to your debt. Maintain records of all contacts made, along with the time, for your reference. Debt collectors can be requested by you to stop sending written correspondence.
However, you can do this by sending them a letter yourself. Make sure that your records are updated with a copy of the letter. If they are looking to pursue action in the form of a lawsuit, they may contact you in writing.
Make Sure the Debt is Yours
If you ever feel that you have been wrongly targeted for your debt, you have the right to ask for proof that the debt exists from the collectors. You will have 30 days to make this request after receipt of the first notice. Debt collectors are obliged to provide you with the name of the original lender, the amount of money owed and your name on the lender’s documents.
There are no time limits set for which a reply has to be sent. Debt collectors must have all information about their companies to be provided. They must inform you about the amount that is outstanding along with the name of the person they are trying to collect the money for. Under so circumstances can debt collectors resort to threats or represent themselves in a misleading manner.
They have no right to take the law into their own hands. On the other hand you are well within your rights to inform them to stop all contact if you have a lawyer representing your case. Debt collectors cannot discuss your case with people not associated with the debt or pass on information about themselves that is not true.
You can make a complaint with the attorney general of your state and seek legal remedies against the debt collector, if you feel that you have been a target of undue harassment.
