Dealing with Debt Collectors

Dealing with a debt collector can be a trying experience. Having economic problems is stressful enough already, and you don’t need a collector harassing you or trying to rub salt in the wounds. Debt collectors may even be saying abusive or intimidating things. Some of what the debt collectors are saying to you may be abusive or intimidating. Learn more about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to discover what debt collection behaviors are illegal. You deserve to know your rights.

We’ve also compiled other guidelines on dealing with debt collectors so you can take action before contacting a debt collection attorney.

  • Keep a call log. On a call log, you should record the dates and times of calls, the names of debt collectors, their phone number, and some of the highlights of your conversation. If the debt collector uses threatening behavior, be sure to take note of that.
  • Find out if you can record debt collector calls. In some states, you can record your phone calls without ever disclosing that you are recording them. However, in some states, you must disclose to the other person in the conversation that you are recording the call. Find out what your state laws are here.
  • Request a written letter validating the debt. If you received a letter from a debt collector that informs you that you can seek validation of the debt within 30 days, then do just that. Seek validation and hold the debt collector responsible for providing you proof of what you owe.
  • Even if you are outside of that 30 day period, that does not prevent you from disputing the debt. You can still dispute it and you can do so by writing a debt dispute letter. If you do, that triggers a requirement of the debt collector to make note of that dispute if they ever report the debt to a credit bureau. Here are some sample debt dispute letters to help you write your own.
  • There are two kinds of debt dispute letters. You can either send a letter to the debt collector that you wish for them to “cease and desist all communications.” Alternately, if you disagree that you owe this and you refuse to pay it, send a letter to the debt collector advising them that you “refuse to pay” this debt. If a debt collector calls you or tries to communicate with you after sending a debt dispute letter, contact us for a free case review.

Our expert legal team can provide you with the assistance you need in facing debt collectors. Call us for a free case consultation at (888) 822-1777 or fill out a contact form.