Know Your Rights to Fight Debt Collectors

Repaying debt has become more difficult for most consumers, especially in an economy where no one except for economists are talking about recovery. Debt collectors are getting more and more desperate, and sometimes they are just downright cruel. Although they are just doing their job, it’s quite a dreadful situation for debtors to manage both debt and collection agencies simultaneously.

Debt collectors’ harassment complaints have increased by over 50% last year, as per the data revealed by Federal Trade Commission.

The problem is, however, not many consumers are aware about their rights while dealing with debt collectors. It’s legal for them to call you time and again to ask for payment, but they cannot call at your workplace or use abusive language, even if the debt you owe is in millions.

Debt collectors usually involve in illegal activities. FTC Commissioner, Julia Brill, says they are allowed to collect payments from debtors in a legitimate way. They can call up the debtor number of times during the day. However, it’s illegal from their part to call up during night hours or at the workplace. They cannot threaten or abuse their debtors. They can simply keep reminding debtors through phone or through mail.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

If you feel you are being harassed by collection agents, and they are trying through threaten you, you have rights to fight back under Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Illegal tactics include contacting you at midnight hours, threatening, disclosing your personal information to a third party like neighbors, threatening your family members about garnishing wages, and so on. They cannot discuss your debt with any other person unless you have given them the rights to do so.

Recently, some consumers have filed complaints against a debt collection agency for contacting them on social networking sites. But, as per FTC, it’s a legitimate was as far as go the right way.

Whom Should You Contact If Such Inappropriate Behavior is Observed?

You must immediately report such behavior to Federal Trade Commission on ftc.gov or State Attorney General at naag.org.

What Should You Do If You Are Asked to Repay Debt You Don’t Owe?

If a collection agent asks you to repay debt you don’t owe, simply inform them you are not the right person, and ask them not to call again. However, before you hang up the phone, get their name, phone number, and mailing address. Send a certified letter that clearly states your intention. If the calls still persist, contact FTC.