I want to know where to look to find help dealing with bill collectors
2006-10-30 07:36:30 · 10 answers · asked by sylvia_jean_m 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
You don't need to go to any "credit repair" or "credit counseling" agencies. You can do everything that they can do all by yourself.
The problem is you don't know what to do...and don't know the law. That is why bill collectors get away with what they do.
Here's some advice.
1) Read the links below. You can't play the game unless you know how to play, and know the rules.
2) Remember that you have no legal obligation to even talk to collection agents. Start be contacting the original creditor and see if you can work out a payment plan.
3) Send collection agents al cease and desist letter. You can either make this a "partial" letter demanding they not call you on the phone, or a "full" letter where they don't write or call you at all.
4) Send a "demand to validate" letter. This tells the collection agent to send you proof you have a legal obligation to pay the debt. That includes contracts, bills, receipts, and everything used to calculate what they claim you owe. This is what they will need to supply if they take you to court. No validation information...no court case.
Read the links below..good luck.
2006-10-30 09:48:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work for a consolidation company similar to cccs. If you want to spend $20.00 or so a month to have someone talk to the collectors, close your accounts, help you to avoid charge-offs, reduce the interest rates on the credit cards and help lower the monthly payments... then call a non profit consolidation company is the way to go (if you're bills are over $3000.00 combined). Otherwise, you can, i repeat, can do it yourself. Call each of them, explain the situation, close the accounts or cut up the cards and send them back to the creditors, ask to reduce the interest rates and payments. Then keep regular in your payments. It's a hassle either way but it will stop them from calling you.
2006-10-30 08:56:10 · answer #2 · answered by Michael 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in the phone book for your local CCCS-Consumer Credit Counseling Service. They are a truly non-profit group that is well respected. Avoid those sharks who advertise on TV. You may also be able to negotiate directly with your creditors if you feel up to it. Most will try their best to help you, believe it or not.
2006-10-30 07:40:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NEVER go to a credit counsler! Big rip off! Think about bankruptcy or get credit cards with 0% intrest for balance transfers and move the debt that way untill you can get it paid off.
2006-10-30 08:57:09 · answer #4 · answered by mrfoxhorn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get help by going to yahoo and enter it's a debtors life to go to the web site. A lot of questions can be answered there
2006-10-30 07:41:26 · answer #5 · answered by itsadebtorslife 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some free websites designed for people who need help with credit. There are sample letters you can use to repair your credit as well as contacting them and asking them to stop contacting them and/or dispute your claim.
2006-10-31 13:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by Mariposa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the answer to this growing problem. Please contact me and I will provide you a service that takes care of issues like this and many more. Don't waste time with others, just hit me up. I will take care of you.
Sincerely,
Jon
2006-10-30 07:59:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
just explain your situation and tell them to get in line. unless you pay they wont go away. but telling them the truth will get them to stop calling. it worked for me.
2006-10-30 07:51:25 · answer #8 · answered by knowitall 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this site has plenty of information.
Just browse it and enjoy.
2006-10-30 09:54:32 · answer #9 · answered by DaMan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here is a website you might find helpful
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/creditrepair
2006-10-30 17:29:58 · answer #10 · answered by barbara w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋