Debt Collection

Collection of debt is one of the most tasking and difficult job of any collecting company. It is difficult because most of those being collected are no able to pay on time. The issue usually begins in this stage.

When things like this happen to you, you should be aware of the process that is taking place and make sure to know the right way to manage the problem.

When a collecting agent contacts you, it can mean that you haven’t paid anything for your debt in a definite span of time of or the company has not been receiving any of the payments that you made. You need to talk to the agent and discuss this matter.

During transactions know you rights. Though you are a debtor, it doesn’t mean that a collecting agent can tell or do anything to you. Many reports have been received where collecting agents mistreated and harassed their clients.

For proper guidance here are some things that a collecting agent is not allowed to do.

Harassment is the major offense that a collecting agent can do. This includes mistreating or intimidating any person. Under this category is terrorizing a person by harming them or their reputation. Another is making a list of people who are not able to pay, using of obscene words to the borrower, calling people by not giving their true identities and publishing your debts.

Another offense that they are not allowed to do is manufacturing statements. Under this are: they are representatives of the government or they are attorneys, informing you that you have made a crime, identifying themselves as employees from the credit bureau and gives wrong information regarding the total of your debt.

The collectors can not tell you that you will be jailed if you fail to pay or that they will take your properties and wages unless there is a proper notice from an agency to collect it and that legal actions will be made to your case.

The collectors are not allowed to spread words about your credit to anyone, mail to you an official looking document or use any other names or identity.

Debt collectors are further not allowed to do anything of the following. Let you pay anything higher than your debt, let you deposit a check unless it has the proper details like date, let you receive calls or pay telegrams sent to you. They are also not allowed to pressure you that they will get your belongings or get in touch with you through any forms of letter. Lastly, you should not receive anything from them that has their names but only the address of the debt collecting agency.

Any of the above mentioned actions when made by a collecting agent can be sued because it is a violation of human rights.

Then ask for the specifics of your case from the agents. Ask his name, the collection agency that he works for etc. Inquire for the amount of your debt and request that he sends a formal letter regarding it.

In situations like this, you exercise your right to privacy. Ask the agent to call you at another number if you don’t feel confident talking about this matter over that number. In return, you should also write to him for the request. Indicate the new contact number that you wished to be telephoned.
From the start of your conversation, always keep a file for records. Indicate the date and time the agent contacted you plus the details of the conversation. Take note of any insulting or foul words that is used.

Once arrangement is made for the payments, always have it place in writing. Be specific with the payment amount and dates to avoid any future problem. Then pay the proper agency that the debt is due. It should be made to the collecting agent unless otherwise stated. Pay only your dues not of anybody else. It will not change your credit at all.

Check all included information such as the balance and interest charge. Check also for other fees or charges which might be added. Compare this with your original bill and report any mistakes.

Whatever happens, don’t disregard a collector. Talk to the agent and tell what you want to express.