What do you do when a debt collector calls? In the age of caller ID, a lot of us probably ignore calls from 1-800 numbers. You never know when someone is calling to sign up you up for some service or ask you to pay up on a bill you can't afford to pay. If I'm near a computer, I Google 1-800 numbers before I pickup.
What about when you actually answer the phone and there's a debt collector on the other end? Don't panic. Don't agree to a payment until you've verified the debt is yours and you've confirmed you can and should pay it. Check out the steps to follow when a debt collector calls.
If you're receiving wrong number collection calls, you can stop them with a cease and desist letter. It's definitely a nuisance to complete that step since it's not your debt, but if you want to get law enforcement on your side, i.e. the FTC or Attorney General, the letter is a must.
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Some good tips here.
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Thanks and good luck everyone!
These are really good tips. I suggest that people also record the call when they talk to a debt collector. You may have to inform the collector that “The call may be monitored and or recorded to insure accuracy”.
Sometimes the debt collector will refuse to be monitored or recorded. At that point feel free to exercise your right to hang up the phone and send the cease and desist letter.
There are many low cost and free call recording devices. They work wonders in making sure the debt collector respects your rights as a consumer or alleged debtor.
Excellent tips for dealing with a debt collector and I would add that consumers should read How to deal with debt collectors in order to find out what debt collectors are required to do once they have made contact with you over the telephone.