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If you have credit card debt, you may regularly receive calls from creditors and collection agencies. When you’re in a difficult financial situation, harassing phone calls can add further stress to your life. To help you through this difficult time, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you receive calls about your debt. 

How to Handle Harassing Phone Calls About Credit Card Debt

1. Know Your Rights

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was created by the federal government to protect consumers from excessive harassment.

Collection agencies and creditors seeking payment for all types of debt must abide by these rules. For instance, they cannot call earlier than 8:00 a.m. or later than 9:00 p.m. within your time zone. Understanding your rights will help you know when to seek an attorney. 

2. Verify the Debt

It’s unwise to assume that the individual calling only provides accurate information about your duties. They may be part of a scam or have inaccurate information.

Credit Card DebtTo protect yourself against potential identity theft, request that the creditor mail proof of the debt, which you can verify by comparing it to your personal statements. If you think their information is accurate, a debt relief lawyer will help resolve the situation.

3. Request a Payment Arrangement 

Most creditors will be satisfied with honest attempts to repay debt.

Negotiating a repayment plan can help stop harassing messages, while providing you with a more manageable method for paying the balance. If you submit the payments on time, you may not receive future calls. 

4. Remember That Phone Calls Are Recorded

Many debt collectors try to get reactionary responses from you because those might justify their intimidating tactics. However, remaining calm allows you to take in all of the information they provide and helps prevent conflict.

It’s often in your best interest to let the caller become emotional and threatening, while you remain calm throughout the call. This way, if the debt goes to court, they will have nothing to show against you.

 

Dealing with overwhelming debt is difficult and frustrating, but there are ways to resolve the situation. By filing for bankruptcy, unsecured debts can be discharged once and for all. Backed by 41 years of experience, Robert A. Schwartz provides bankruptcy and debt relief services to clients throughout the Rochester, NY, area. He’ll analyze your situation to provide counsel on how to stop creditor harassment. Visit his website to learn more about his work with credit card debt, or call (585) 334-4270 to schedule a consultation. 

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