Bill Collection

If you think that bill collectors are engaged in abusive behaviors, harassment and illegal activities, it would be better to act immediately. Here are some of the things you can do during such instances.

1. Tell them to Stop.

Stop the threats, annoying phone calls at inappropriate hours of the day, and abusive phone calls to your neighbors and employer. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the consumers possess the right to tell the collection agency to stop contacting them. A letter may be sent to the collection agency to say to them that you want them to cease all communication with you. The collection agency employees are then prohibited to contact you, well except maybe to inform you that the collection efforts have ended or that a lawsuit may be filed to you.

The giving of letter to the bill collection to tell them to stop contacting you may even be done by the consumers even if the bill collector is not breaking the law. But you must first prove to the bill collector that you won’t be running away from your debt. The longer you put off resolving your debts, the worse it would be

2. Document their Illegal Behavior

On cases where the debt collector consistently performs illegal activities, you can document the violation. A log is preferable to use. Consumers can jot down the details of the incidence- date, what exactly happened, and who were the persons involve. Having a witness is also an added plus. Try to have another person present next time the bill collector does his illegal acts. In terms of offensive, abusive phone calls, you can record the phone conversation the phone conversation with the debt collector’s knowledge.

3. File an Official Complaint

Consumers can file official complaints in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which is responsible for overseeing these collection agencies. You can ask the FTC to send you a complaint form. You may also opt to contact the agency through 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20580, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). In the complaint, write the debt collection agency’s name and address, the name of collector, the dates and times of the conversation. You may also attach all the offending materials you have received and other evidences to support your claim.

Moreover, consumers must send a copy of the complaint to the state agency where the collection agency is located. To find the agency, you may call the state’s capitol city or the check its website. Send a copy of the complaint to the creditor and concerned agency. The creditor may also take actions or cancel the debt.

4. File a Lawsuit to the Debt Collector

In suing the debt collector, the consumer must be prepared to represent himself/herself in court, and hire a lawyer. This means that you have to pay your attorney’s fees and court costs. Nevertheless, if you win the case you are entitled to recover the expenses you made and an additional amount of $1,000 for any violation of the FDCPA.