What can add more stress and pressure to someone in debt are the constant calls from debt collectors. For debts that are long past due, a creditor may turn over the collection to a debt collection agency. But some agencies may use unfair debt collection practices to force a borrower to pay. What should you do if you find yourself in a similar situation? Here are some tips:

1. Fight for your rights.  Check the Federal Trade Commission’s website for a complete list of rules included in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  Know your rights and stand for them.
2. Talk to your debt collectors.  Avoid hiding or ignoring debt collection agencies or debt collectors will only worsen the problem.  Even if you can’t pay off your debts immediately, it’s best to speak with your debt collectors and try to work out a negotiation.
3.  Know who’s collecting your debts.  Are you aware of who is collecting your debts from you?  Your debt collector should have sent you a notice about the status of your account before making the collection


4. Practice your right to dispute.  Make sure that the charges on your account are correct.  Carefully review your billing statements and receipts.  If there are incorrect charges, dispute them by sending a dispute letter to your creditor within 30 days upon receipt of your bill.
5. Keep records of your correspondence with your debt collector.  Keep all proofs of correspondence with your debt collector for your reference.  When talking to a debt collector over the phone, take the name of the person you’re speaking with, the date when the conversation took place or record the phone call.
6. Request your debt collector to stop collecting.  Sent a letter to the debt collection agency telling them to stop contacting you. The FDCPA mandates creditors and debt collectors to respect such request from a client.  However, this will not free you from your obligation to pay your debts.
7. Let your debt collector know the best time to contact you.  Inform your debt collector the time of day in which you can entertain their call more conveniently.  Thus, you’ll know exactly when to expect their calls and you’ll be more prepared to discuss the matter

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