Being in debt is never an easy situation to be in. Receiving those constant calls from debt collectors can make the entire ordeal even more stressful. In fact, it can become harassment. However, there are ways to stop the calls from coming, and here are a few effective methods.
1- Cease and desist request
The most effective way to stop the debt collectors from calling continuously is sending through a cease and desist request. This request is in writing. Whether the debt is yours or not, you can use this option to stop the calls. This letter is not an admission that the debt is yours, but you can ask the debt collector to cease calling your phone number. You can request in your letter that the debt collectors only communicate with you in writing. This also helps to keep track of the communication.
When you are aware of your rights and begin to feel harassed by the calls, you can also send a formal letter. The letter should state to the debt collector that you consider violating the law and that they should stop immediately. If you’re going to make this claim, you’ll need to back it up with evidence like letters, recordings, or testimonies. If they don’t do anything and continue to infringe the law, you should contact the authorities and submit a complaint.,
Report the collector to your state’s Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if the calls continue after the cease and desist letter has been sent.
2- Report Harassment to the Authorities
The cease and desist letter should be adequate. However, some debt collectors are very persistent and go overboard, tethering on the line or crossing it. After receiving your letter, most agencies will stop the illegal action of harassment. They will now be aware that you know your rights, and they can not manipulate you. Some will, however, persist, and this is when the government should intervene. Once you’ve reported the harassment to the government, the ball is in their court, and there’s not much further you can do.
3- Admit you can not pay
Debt collectors don’t stop trying to collect just because they are unable to pay. However, informing collectors that you are unable to pay and providing a brief overview of your financial troubles may cause them to go on to other customers. It may also keep your case from being submitted to a courtroom.
Do not acknowledge the debt is yours or say anything that could reopen a statute of limitations that has already expired. If you make a partial payment on a debt or recognize that you owe the debt that you haven’t been paying, the statute of limitations may be reset in your state. In some cases, a fresh pledge to pay a debt could potentially bring the statute of limitations back into play.
4- Get a lawyer
However, there are a few options available if you don’t want to deal with debt collectors at all. If you have a lawyer, you can get it set up so that the collector contacts your lawyer instead of you. You can also have the debt collector call your registered credit counselor if you are working with one. At least with this option, you know that you are in good hands because they are professional. They know your status and can represent you without you having to feel the pressure or the stress.
5- Pay the debt
Another sure way to get debt collectors off your back is to pay the debt. It stops the process entirely, and it guarantees there will be no more calls. Once you have paid in full, you have to ensure you receive all the relevant paperwork as proof of payment. It may not be so easy for everyone to pay the debt in full. However, payment plans can be arranged if you chose this route to not leave in the red with your day-to-day living expenses.
Debt collectors can cause you a lot of stress, but there are ways to go around them and stop their calls. The best thing to do initially is to educate yourself on the debt collection laws and your rights. The law is on your side, so do not allow the debt collector to harass you with their calls.
