Is a Debt Collector Hassling You?
If you have ever been behind on a credit card payment, loan installment, or even a utility bill, chances are you have received a call from a debt collector. While it is a debt collectors job to collect debts, these professionals can sometimes get carried away. If you feel like a debt collector is hassling you, there are steps you can take to end the harassment.
Every debt collector must follow the guidelines that have been established by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. These guidelines are meant to protect debtors (thats you) from unfair debt collection practices. If you are wondering whether or not a debt collector has overstepped their bounds, here are a few facts about debt collection that may help answer your questions:
How Can a Debt Collector Contact You?
Debt collectors can contact you by mail, telegram, telephone, or fax. Though debt collectors may contact you at any time of the day, they are not allowed to contact you before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. unless you ask them to. Debt collectors are also prohibited from contacting you at your workplace after you have asked them not to.
Is There Any Way to Stop Collection Calls?
You can stop a debt collector from contacting you about a specific debt by sending them a letter. If you make this request in writing, the debt collector is required to stop calling. However, this will not make the debt go away and the debt collector still has the option of taking legal action to further collect the debt.