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Category: Legal
Are you being dunned for debts? Do bill collectors drive you crazy? Here are some things to help you deal more effectively and reduce your stress level.
1. Make sure you really owe the debt. Understand that bill collectors often work on commission. Their goal is to get the most money from you as they can. Make sure the amount the claim you owe is correct. Challenge the appropriateness of extra costs. Are these costs reasonable and is the interest rate on the overdue debt correct?
2. Don't be intimidated. If it helps, remember that the bill collector probably makes less than you do and you don't need a college degree to be one.
3. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. Sometimes you can bargain for a reduction. Something is better than nothing in their eyes.
4. Watch the statute of limitations on old debts. Check the time limitations on collecting old debts. If you agree to pay an old debt that is legally uncollectable - they will collect. They are not going to tell you that if they sue you, they won't normally be able to collect because the debt is too old. If you make a partial payment, the clock usually starts over.
5. If you are unreasonably threatened with anything more than their right to take legal action to collect, report them to to FCC and every other regulatory agency in your state. You can sue unscrupulous debt collectors for unlawful and unethical practices.
6. Know the rules. Debt collectors can not call you at work if your advise them that you can't take calls there. They can't discuss your debt with anyone but you, unless they have your permission. They can't send you letters which designate that the communication is from a collection agency. Check out the laws with the FCC.
7. Old tricks don't work. (forget to sign a check, or claiming its in the mail) They've heard them all.
8. Read the fine print before you incur debt and ask questions. Sounds pretty obvious, but some salespeople are really smooth.
9. Pay by credit card. If you have problems you have greater control of the payment if you are dissatisfied or if there are defects.
10. You don't have to pay for things that are sent you that you didn't order. Even if you keep the stuff, you don't have to pay for things that you did not solicit or order.
These are not hints to get out of paying for debts you incur. These are suggestions to avoid unfair or unscrupulous collectors and not be intimidated. Knowledge is power.
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Submitted By
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shelala |
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Description
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investigator |
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