Whether you were hit with unexpected medical bills or recently laid off, there are a number of reasons why you might have racked up a substantial amount of credit card debt. At a certain point, you won’t be able to open more lines of credit or pay off what you already owe. Eventually, creditors will start contacting you—first asking for payment, then demanding it. If you’re dealing with aggressive lenders, use the following tips to smooth things over.

How to Deal With Aggressive Creditors

1. Learn Your Rights

If you believe you have to answer or return every collection call, your debt-related stress will accumulate even faster. It’s important to know that lenders aren’t allowed to call before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. If they do, don’t pick up, and let them know they are overstepping their authority the next time you talk. Creditors are also forbidden from misleading you—such as to the amount you owe—and threatening you, and you don’t have to put up with these aggressive tactics just because you can’t afford minimum payments.

2. Offer Honest, Written Communication

If you can’t afford minimum payments, let the creditor know. At the very least, this knowledge alone should lead them to change their aggressive tone, if not try to work out an alternative payment plan. If they continue calling, send a written request to work out a payment schedule you can handle, and ask them to stop calling you. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), they must abide by your written request.

3. Hire a Lawyer

If a creditor continues with aggressive collection practices such as non-stop calls, after-hours contact, and threats, get in touch with a debt relief attorney. They will let you know if your creditor is in the wrong, as well as help you come up with a plan to manage your credit card debt. If you can’t pay back the sum, they may also guide you through the bankruptcy process.

When you’re ready to partner with a lawyer to get rid of your credit card debt, turn to Padgett & Robertson, Attorneys at Law. This Mobile-based team has been helping clients throughout Southern Alabama for over 35 years, whether they need to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you’re unsure whether your debts can be relieved, call them at (251) 342-0264 to arrange for a no-cost consultation. You can also visit the website to learn more about their bankruptcy and credit card debt relief work.