What can I do about a creditors contstant phone calls?

Question

I have only one credit card and it is for medical bills only. Right now we are struggling a bit. I am a payment behind w/ this credit card so now they are calling constantly, even on weekends, as early as 8am & as late as 9pm. They call everyday & everyday I tell them the same thing. I don't have the extra money to pay it right now so they will just have to wait.

Answer 1

here is how you handle them... get on a budget.... send them something each month.. .don't ignore them....

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentID=6557

Answer 2

The Federal Debt Collection Practice Act limits when you can be contacted...8am to 9pm is allowed, but only one call per day...on the other hand the same Act protects you from the calls if you send them a letter [send it certified] indicating your present position and that you do not want any more phone calls....from that time on they have to stop calling you except to tell you one time, any other action that they might take.....

If they continue to call make sure you keep a log of everything and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission who overseas collections agencies....

If your income was only from social security, disability or qualified pension i would provide you with another great alternative...

Answer 3

There are several ways that you can handle this.

If the collector is hired by the original creditor, you can send him a "Cease and Desist" letter that states that they cannot contact you anymore and that it is within your right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to deal with the original creditor only.

On the other hand, if the creditor has bought the debt from the original creditor. First ask them to stop calling you and ask them to send you a letter explaining why they have been calling you. By law, they have to do so within five days.

After that letter you should have 30 days to answer with a "Debt Verification" letter. Ask them to verifiy that they own the debt and that they have all the legal documentation necessary to collect from you.

Include paragraphs in the "Debt Verification" letter stating that they cannot contact you by phone anymore. They can only contact you in writing after the debt has been verfied.

Hope this help

Answer 4

There are steps that you can take to put them on notice to not contact you. But, that isn't going to keep this account from being a negative on your credit report OR won't forestall them filing suit if they determine it is worthwhile to do so.

First, we need to determine if the calls are coming from a 1st or 3rd party. You stated you are only one payment behind, so that would lead me to believe it is your original creditor calling. They aren't governed by the FDCPA, so it is more difficult to define "harassment" in their call patterns. If this has, in fact, been placed with an agency for collection, then the calls every day are a clear violation.

I don't know if it would be feasible for you, but if you had a friend or family member willing to float you a loan until your finances straighten out it might be the easiest course. You would halt the collection calls, save your credit, and I am sure that you would find it much easier to find money in a tight budget for someone willing to help you out in your time of need.

Answer 5

I am a collector, i can tell you that you need to COMMUNICATE. They document each time they call and what is said. Keep your story straight, and be honest..there are payment plans out there that they can offer. They legally can call from 8am-9pm by law. You just have to keep doing what your doing...and remember sending $5 or $10 is better then nothing at all.

Answer 6

The fair credit collection act does not allow them to call after a certain time, or at work if you tell them your emplyer doesn't allow it. Also senf d thema letter telling them not to contact you, the debt will be resolved between you and the original debtor.

Answer 7

Change your phone number.