Stopping Debt Collectors From Harassing You

The phone rings again, and you cringe. You know it is another debt collector. Let’s face it; in most cases these people are nasty and harassing. However, this is illegal in most cases. Stopping debt collectors from harassing you would be a wonderful trick. If you could just get a moments peace we know your stress levels will decrease and you’ll be better able to think about how best to handle your current situation. So go to the post office, get several certified mail and return receipt labels and be prepared to write some very powerful and effective letters. Also, read on because we’ll tell you how to answer the phone and get the phone calls to stop. It's all about stopping debt collectors from harassing you.




Let’s start with stopping debt collectors from harassing you on the phone. Not answering the phone will not help. They’ll just keep calling. Here is how to stop the harassment. Answer the phone, but whatever you do, don’t give out any personal information. You can acknowledge that you are the correct person. However, do not verify middle initials, address, phone numbers, social security numbers or banking or account information on the phone. Make them send you a letter. Simply tell them that you have no proof that this is not a phising scam to collect personal data and you only answer verifications by mail. Have them use the address they have on file. In some states, a debt collector must tell you that they are attempting to collect a debt and any information given to them will be used for that purpose. North Carolina is one of those states. Be sure to get the name, address, telephone number, name of the person you are speaking to, and their title. If you are not told that they are a debt collector, note the above information, and the time and day that they called and report them to the State Attorney General’s Office. It’s OK to fight back. Anytime a debt collector gets harassing, threatening, or nasty with you -- tell them you need to speak to a manager, immediately. It is against federal law for them to be verbally abusive and to make threats they cannot or are not willing to carry out. Any threats of repossession must be backed up with a legal document. If they have not filed ask them what date they are going to do this, when they do not have an answer, tell them to put their legal dept. on the phone immediately. Never get into an argument with them. For very harassing individuals, hang up, call back, and ask to speak to a manager immediately. Report the abuse to both the manager and to the State Attorney General’s Office. There are ways of stopping debt collectors from harassing you. Know your rights and don’t be afraid to act on them.




Another way of stopping debt collectors from harassing you is by mail. Immediately request in writing proof of the debt’s validity. According to federal law, they have to respond within 30 days of your request. Proof of validity is not a statement. They have to either provide you with court documents showing a judgment against you or they have to provide you with copies of the original documents with your signature, showing you opened the account and that you made purchases on it. Send all correspondence by certified mail. Make a note in the “re:” section of your letter the number of the certified label. Attach a return receipt so you have proof they received it. Certified mail sent to them in this fashion lets them know that you mean business. This type of mail gives you a legal paper trail that can be used against them in court. When you request proof of a debt’s validity and they do not respond in 30 days, contact the credit bureaus and get that debt removed from your file. Tell them you requested proof, and the company never responded. Attach a copy of the certified letter, including the return receipt.




All debt collectors must abide by federal, state and local laws. Know what those laws are, and enforce your rights under them. Financial difficulty is not a crime. It happens to almost everyone at least once in their lifetime. You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and respect by those attempting to do business with you. Stand up for yourself and you will be stopping debt collectors from harassing you.