Picture this: A beautiful Christmas Eve with your family, a fire in the fireplace and Uncle Henry (everyone has one), doing his best to behave himself. Your home phone rings and it’s a debt collector. Or, you might be spinning the dreidel and eating latkas like it’s the last time (I know I do.) Phone rings…same guy.
Question: Can you stop a debt collector from contacting you during holidays?
Answer: Yep. You sure can. You just have to be proactive. Here’s how:
If you get a debt collection letter before you get a phone call, immediately dash off a letter, fax and/or email to the debt collector. Make sure you identify yourself, and the account number and simply say: “Do not contact me again.” Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, when you instruct a debt collector to cease contacting, in writing, they must stop contacting you. Don’t get fancy with the language and there is certainly no need to be threatening. Just use these simple words, “Do not contact me again.”
If the debt collector calls you before you get a letter from him or her, simply take these steps:
- Ask for the account number he is calling about;
- Ask what the balance is;
- Ask for an address and fax number.
Where it gets a bit tricky is when the debt collector stalls you and starts asking you questions about the balance, your address, social security number, etc. DO NOT ANSWER ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS. Just get the information you need to shut the debt collector down.
Send a letter via first class mail and fax to the debt collector that again says, “Do not contact me again.” That should do the trick. If it doesn’t call us at Credit Repair Lawyers of America (888) 293-2882. We will show the debt collector who the bigger Grinch is and make them pay you damages.
Question: What if the debt collector calls me at work?
Answer: This is even easier to remedy. Simply get the debt collector’s name, the account number and balance. Then tell the debt collector that you are not allowed to receive calls at work. Under the law, they must cease calling you at work.
If you are being harassed or bullied by a debt collector call us at Credit Repair Lawyers of America, toll free at (888) 293-2882. The call is free and the advice is priceless. You can also email us at [email protected].
