Creditors are harrassing me?

Question

How can I get creditors to stop harrassing me? They are driving me insane! They keep calling multiple times a day on my cell phone, and I don't even pick up anymore... it's been almost 3 months, when are they gonna give up. If I had the money I would pay it, but I'm literally living paycheck-to-paycheck. I've tried telling them to stop calling me, but they dont listen. How can I get them to stop?

Answer 1

First:

These are your options:

1. Change your phone number (easiest solution)
2. Pay up. (not so easy)
3. Use Federal Law to your advantage. (easy)

What did I mean by use Federal Law?

Well,
You as a consumer have rights my dear. One of them is that creditors are not allowed to harrass you. You can find this and much more right on this page: http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/debt_collection_laws.htm


If you send a cease and desist letter; the collection agencies MUST CEASE AND DESIST (leave you alone!)

Here is a sample of what to send:

Date:

Name Collection Agency

Address

City, State, ZIP

RE: Account #

Dear Agency,
You are hereby notified that your services are no longer desired. This is in accordance with the laws of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

This notice has been delivered via certified mail, return receipt and is dated ___________________.

You and your company must cease and desist all attempts to collect the above debt. Failure to comply with this law will result in my filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and my State Attorney General's Office.

Be advised, that if any negative information regarding this debt is added to my credit reports after receipt of this letter, I will take all necessary action to protect my rights.

Regards,

Signature

Name




OR USE THIS ONE:


Name Of Creditor

Address

City, State, Zip

Re: Account Number

Date

Dear creditor/collector,

This letter is to formally advise you that I am requesting you to cease and desist all communications with me immediately regarding the above account. As a third party debt collector- that is- not the original creditor, you must comply.

Your conduct thus far is unacceptable and borders on harassment.

Please be advised that the following applies to you.
Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:
Debt Collection Practices

If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt.


You are governed by this Act as a third party debt collector or creditor attorney. All communication with me including phone calls to my home or business must stop immediately.
If you continue to contact me after receiving this dated certified mailing, you will be in violation and I will file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorney General's Office.

Sincerely,

Your name

Address


OR USE THIS FREE CREDIT REPAIR KIT

http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/free_credit_repair.htm



There are dozens of other letters you can use and unlike all the other websites out there, this one is 100% free.

I suggest that anyone who reads this bookmark this page http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/ because this site is loaded with answers to any credit or debt answer.


If the collection agency or creditor ignores the cease and desist letter, you should file a complaint with the FTC by clicking here: www.ftc.gov

Document everything.

Send only certified mail.


Then sue them. You can be awarded up to 1% of the agencies net worth, which could be millions!


Good luck and make it fun!

Answer 2

How much do you owe them ? Best get in touch with a debt counseller and hand over the debt papers to them and let them take over. Then try to agree some kind of repayment schedule with them. Even $20 a month to start off, better than nothing. You might then find that your creditors get a bit better to deal with.

Answer 3

My boss is a CPA and her suggestion (to me) is to basically just deal with the harassment for now. Don't answer the phone at all, don't try to make any deals until you are certain you can pay. It is better apparently to let them sit and stew than to make any deals that you have even the remote possibility of breaking.

I've had creditors calling me for the past 6 months, so I feel your pain. Atleast the are nice enough to call from 1-800 numbers so I recognize them.

:)

Answer 4

If you send them even 5 or 10 dollars that should help them not to call so much, it would at least show you are making an attempt to pay them and maybe keep you from destroying your credit.

Answer 5

you have to send them a certified letter requsting that they only contact you by postal service. also,it is illegal for them to call you cell phone. just because you are in debt doesnt mean you dont have rights. read the fair credit reporting act. there are guidlines that debt collectors have to follow. stay strong, stand your ground and dont let them threaten or bully you. if you show them you know your rights they will leave you alone. good luck

Answer 6

Hey when they call answer the phone and ask them how you doin today and when they ask you when you will pay them just tell them never but hey have a great day.