6 Things Debt Collectors Must Do
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009
by Bill Cash
If it isn't bad enough when we are already struggling with our bills, that we sometimes start getting calls from the debt collectors about paying back those bills.
When can we do? What rights do we have - if any?
Well, luckily, (I guess you can say) the federal government has written laws that require collection agencies to treat us fairly - whatever that is.
- In reality, collection agencies can only call during normal hours of the day. This means not too early and not too late. If your employer prohibits their calls during work, they need to abide by this and not call you while you are at work either.
- Now assuming they do get in touch with you, the collection agency has to send you this information in writing - explaining how much and to who you owe money. They must also tell you what you need to do if you believe you do not owe the money. This written notice must be sent within 5 days of their first contact with you.
- If, for some reason, you have a lawyer handling your debt issues, the collection agency must contact him or her and not yourself.
- Collection agencies can only contact other people to find out your phone number or address.
- These collectors must act civil and not harass or abuse you or others they talk to. They also cannot lie to you or scare you into paying something.
- Now let's assume you pay them some money on some of these debts. They must apply the money to whatever bill you say to apply it to. They can't choose themselves. Also they cannot apply it to a bill you don't think you owe.
Bill has been writing articles for over 5 years. Come visit his latest website which discusses HP Inkjet Cartidges and why the HP ink toner is the best toner on the market.
This Article has been viewed 84 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.