{"id":3584,"date":"2021-02-23T11:02:53","date_gmt":"2021-02-23T11:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/?p=3584"},"modified":"2021-02-16T11:14:41","modified_gmt":"2021-02-16T11:14:41","slug":"4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Easy Steps to Deal with Collection Calls"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many are already getting a great deal of stress from things like medical bills and student loans, especially during this pandemic. Add to that the harassment and abusive tactics employed by collection agencies and it can be hard for a debtor to go about their daily lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to stop collection calls is to file bankruptcy. This places an automatic stay which stops any collection effort. However, we know that making the decision is not easy, as it stays long on your credit report and harms your credit score. Contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/\"><strong>bankruptcy attorney<\/strong><\/a> to discuss your options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re the victim of unfair debt collection practices, here are some steps you can take to make life easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_to_Stop_Collection_Efforts\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps to Stop Collection Efforts<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6627302708d8a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6627302708d8a\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls\/#Steps_to_Stop_Collection_Efforts\" title=\"Steps to Stop Collection Efforts\">Steps to Stop Collection Efforts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls\/#1_Keep_Records\" title=\"1. Keep Records\">1. Keep Records<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls\/#2_Know_Your_Rights\" title=\"2. Know Your Rights\">2. Know Your Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls\/#3_Tell_the_Creditor_to_Stop_Contacting_You\" title=\"3. Tell the Creditor to Stop Contacting You\">3. Tell the Creditor to Stop Contacting You<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/4-easy-steps-to-deal-with-collection-calls\/#4_Ask_for_Debt_Verification\" title=\"4. Ask for Debt Verification\">4. Ask for Debt Verification<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Keep_Records\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Keep Records<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep all correspondence, account documentation, and statements. Note the collector\u2019s name, call back number, and the company involved. These notes will be invaluable if you have to make a complaint or file a lawsuit against the collector.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The collection agency will usually record all phone calls with you. Federal law and many states allow for recording the conversation without the other\u2019s consent, although it is illegal in others. Learn about the one-party consent law in your state before proceeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Know_Your_Rights\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Know Your Rights<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and take note of the violations to know that such acts are prohibited when collecting a debt. Know that you can negotiate with your creditors and settle your debts for the amount owed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about debt collection laws on the websites for the office of the state attorney general, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or the Federal Trade Commission.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Tell_the_Creditor_to_Stop_Contacting_You\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Tell the Creditor to Stop Contacting You<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-3585\" src=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls.jpg\" alt=\"Collection Calls\" width=\"338\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Collection-Calls.jpg 338w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px\" \/>Yes, you can simply tell these collectors to stop and leave you alone, but there are steps to do appropriately. Before doing so, it is paramount that you know the consequences of your decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chances are that the collector gives the account to a lawyer. If a law firm has the account, they must contact you with any papers they file. However, bear in mind that no one has any obligation to warn you if and when the account is being sent to the attorney for legal proceedings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a chance that you won\u2019t get informed of the suit, either through outdated contact info or simply mailing problems. If you never answer the suit, the court can enter a default judgment against you, which is much harder to defend than lawsuits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The collector may also sell the account to another debt buyer. When another collector enters the scene, you will have to start from scratch to verify the debt and send a new cease and desist letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If these consequences are outweighed by your peace of mind, these are the steps you should take:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Send a written letter to the collector demanding that the collector cease and desist from further communications with you, your relatives, your employer, or anyone else the collector may be contacting.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Send it by certified mail so that the recipient has to sign for it. That way, if the collector continues to contact you, each instance of contact is yet another violation of the FDCPA.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Ask_for_Debt_Verification\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Ask for Debt Verification<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once they\u2019ve contacted you, the debt collection agent has five days to give you the following information in writing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The name of the creditor to whom the debt is now owed;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of the debt;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That you have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t dispute, the collector will assume that the debt is valid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you tell them in writing asking for the contact details and name of the original creditor, the collector will provide it. You may find a sample letter on the internet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you dispute the debt, they will send you information for your inspection and verification. They also must stop any collection activity until they send these for validation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Is Disputing the Debt Important?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the original creditor cannot collect the debt, they usually sell the debt to a collection agency. Debt buyers make their money by getting the borrower to pay more than they actually owe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you dispute, the current owner must look into the debt\u2019s account. This can give you some breathing room. This also gives you a chance to check your records for proof that you owe a different amount or that you already paid it to the original creditor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What If the Creditor Cannot Validate the Debt?\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they fail to verify the debt or provide the information requested, the collector is violating the FDCPA. The more they violate it, the more you can come out ahead in the end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other violations you can take note of are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charging an obscene amount more than what you owe,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continued telephone calls or other communication while the debt is disputed,<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If debt collectors are harassing and calling you non-stop, you can stop their collection processes by declaring bankruptcy, which places an automatic stay that stops these activities from happening. At <strong>Phoenix Fresh Start Bankruptcy Attorneys,<\/strong> we can discuss your bankruptcy options and other alternatives to bankruptcy so you can make an informed decision about your financial future. Call us today at 602-598-5075\u00a0 to get seize your chances on a fresh financial start!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many are already getting a great deal of stress from things like medical bills and student loans, especially during this pandemic. Add to that the harassment and abusive tactics employed by collection agencies and it can be hard for a debtor to go about their daily lives.\u00a0 The best way to stop collection calls is to file bankruptcy. This places an automatic stay which stops any collection effort. However, we know that making the decision is not easy, as it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3586,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3584"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phoenixfreshstartbankruptcy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}