Collection Call Strategies

Creditors are starting to pick up on the fact that it does not pay to be a bully. Instead, collectors are looking for new strategies to try to obtain the money you owe. Many companies are training their employees to be positive and use language that is more effective. Though you may still be receiving collection calls, they might be more pleasant and possibly deceptive.

Regardless of how nice the person is on the phone, they still must operate within certain guidelines by law, specifically the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Even if they are not verbally harassing you, it may be considered harassment and thus illegal if they are calling several times an hour. Also, all collection calls are allowed only between 8 A.M. and 9 P.M. Certain states have rules about collection calls that may be more strict than this.

If you are being harassed by a collector, there are several steps you can take to get those calls to stop. First, send a ?cease and desist? request to the collector. You can also file a complaint with your state?s Attorney General as well as the local Better Business Bureau. A request for the verification of the debt is also in line and must be granted before they can continue to pursue the debt through collection calls. You are also able to let the creditor know what times and numbers are inconvenient for them to call.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about collection calls is the constant reminder of your debt. Talk to an accredited credit counselor to determine what steps you can take to handle your debt satisfactorily.

Even though many of the callers might have gotten nicer, the collection call still can be unpleasant. The best solution is to know your rights and properly care for your debt.

If you do encounter an unpleasant caller, remember that your rights against such treatment are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. They can sometimes be rude and get away with it, but it they cross the line by threatening unreasonable actions, you may have additional rights to pursue damages in court.

If you owe a debt, you should do what you can to pay it. It's the right thing to do. However, do not feel that you have to endure harassment from collection calls. If you need help, contact your nearest reputable credit counseling agency for assistance.

Ronnica Rothe graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently enrolled at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.

She is a regular contributor to educational information disseminated through Personal Financial Network. Related information can be found at http://www.managedebttoday.com/handling_collections.htm