How far is too far with debt collectors? Anybody familiar with the law?

Question

I have a debt collector calling me and it leads to harrassment. I have made arrangements to pay off the account but it doesn't meet their "time line" . They tell me things like maybe I should file bankrupcy, you people that don't pay are pathetic, or get a job. I am a full time student and work part-time I'm tired of them calling me because i tell them what i can do as far as payment and they say "we can't except that". What should I do? I told them I would pay the account off in August isn't this fair enough?

Answer 1

Do not send a full cease and desist. If you do you leave them only two choices - sue you or sell the debt.

If you had not sent a debt validation letter yet, you should before you start talking about paying them. Make sure the amount they are requesting is the legal amount, that they have a legal right to collect that debt, etc., etc., etc.

Include in your letter:

I am requesting that no telephone contact be made from you to my home or place of business as it is inconvenient to me. All future communications from you must be made by USPS.

That is a limited C&D, it still gives them the right to contact you but only by mail.

Everything you send to them should be sent certified mail return receipt. Keep copies of everything - papertrail.

You might click on my profile and do some reading in the links I have provided - to the FDCPA, FCRA, etc.

Learn your rights and learn how to use them.

Answer 2

This is taken from the FTC website:

How may a debt collector contact you?
A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or fax. However, a debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree. A debt collector also may not contact you at work if the collector knows that your employer disapproves of such contacts.

Can you stop a debt collector from contacting you?
You can stop a debt collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collector telling them to stop. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact or to notify you that the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action. Please note, however, that sending such a letter to a collector does not make the debt go away if you actually owe it. You could still be sued by the debt collector or your original creditor.

Answer 3

I would suggest you to join a debt settlement company who will negotiate with the collection agencies and bring down your principal debt by 30% to70% depending on your credit cards.

You can make affordable monthly payments and be out of debt within3-36 months. Once you join the debt settlement program, all the communications from your debt collectors will be directed to the settlement company.

Check this out who has helped me with the same unsecured debt situation.

http://www.debtfreeafterall.com

Good Luck

Answer 4

Get call display, or call blocking on your telephone and don't answer incoming calls that you don't recognize the number.An answering machine would take legitimate calls and you could pick up, if you wanted to talk.