When bills are overdue, creditors can be relentless in pursuit of payment. Their efforts can range from the mildly annoying, like phone calls and letters, to totally life-disrupting, such as lawsuits, wage garnishments, or repossessions. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with creditor harassment, a few of which are below.

What to Do About Creditor Harassment

1. Send a Cease Communication Letter

An outstanding balance is not a legitimate reason for a creditor to harass you. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act protects consumers in situations like this. The law allows a harassed consumer to send a letter to the creditor, demanding that they cease communication.

There are a few different types of these letters; for instance, one requesting that all communication stop, one directing the creditor to the consumer's attorney, and one stating that the consumer doesn't owe the debt. Send the letter that best applies to your case. The creditor can only legally call you once more to confirm their receipt of the letter. If they continue to call you, you can file a lawsuit against them.

2. Keep Careful Records

Don't be intimidated by bullying creditors. Keep a meticulous record of all your interactions with them. This information will be vital if you need to file a lawsuit and will highlight the tactics used by the creditor.

If possible, record your phone conversations with them. If this isn't an option, keep a pen and paper or laptop screen ready so you can write down details of the communication as it occurs. Include the date and time of the call, as well as the name of the person on the other line. Also, keep all the letters and emails you receive from the creditor.

3. Hire an Attorney

Creditors have an excessive amount of power, but you can protect yourself and fight back by hiring a lawyer. A lawyer will represent you in all your dealings with creditors. They will also ensure you understand your options, such as filing a lawsuit, seeking bankruptcy assistance, verifying the validity of the debt, and negotiating settlements with creditors. Don't let an aggressive debt collector convince you that you don't have choices. You do, and an attorney will find the best ones for your situation.

When you need help taking on creditor harassment, Harry B. Zornow is here for you. He has been serving clients throughout the Hamilton, OH, area for over three decades. He provides representation in bankruptcy and Social Security Disability claims and offers proactive solutions to unmanageable debt and creditor harassment. Call (513) 737-9770 to schedule a free consultation, or visit his website to learn more about his services.