Creditor Phone Calls

A common question we get at The Debt Relief Company is what to do when a creditor calls. Many consumers opt to either ignore the calls entirely while others try to explain their situation in detail. There are other tactics as well, some consumers go the route of forwarding all calls to a google voice number or another free phone service, but more often than not these are unnecessary hoops to jump through.

What’s Effective?

What we’ve found to be most effective is to simply ask that creditor or debt collection companies send you all further correspondence in writing. You can simply say “I’m undergoing financial hardship please send all further communication in writing”. Speaking plainly and candidly about your situation is fine but less is more. You don’t need to go into extreme detail if you don’t feel like discussing it. It’s also important to bear in mind that what you say can be used to pursue further collection activity. So less can definitely be more in this situation.

In the beginning stages of a collection activity creditors can and will call you if you are behind on payments. What’s important is that you keep your composure and understand that it’s just a phone call and not anything to stress about.

The FDCPA

The FDCPA was put in place to help protect consumers from abusive debt collection practices. It’s important to be mindful of what collectors can and can’t do or say. Debt collectors that violate FDCPA can be sued for damages and legal fees within one year of the violation. So, there are guidelines for when and how a debt collector can contact you. These rules typically apply to 3rd party debt collectors and not 1st party creditors. Debt collectors are not allowed to contact you before 8 am or after 9pm and are not allowed to harass you at work. Additionally, debt collectors can contact you on social media due to recent law changes.

Creditor calls can be annoying but they are a part of the process if you’re working with a debt relief company or trying to settle debts of your own accord.