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Debt Collection

Annoyed by debt collectors? Even though you may owe money, you still have rights as a consumer. Exercise these rights and protect yourself by learning which debt collection practices are fair and which ones are not.
To Pay or Not to Pay Book Review - Written By Stanley G. Hilton
To Pay or Not to Pay by California attorney Stanley G. Hilton helps debtors figure out how they can respond to creditor pressure to repay debts.
Sample Pay for Delete Letter
Use this sample pay for delete letter to negotiate removal of negative collection accounts and charge-offs from your credit report. Customize the letter to fit your situation.
Time-Barred Debts
Time-barred debts are those that are no longer collectible through the court because the statute of limitations on these debts has passed. Creditors and debt collectors can still try to collect time-barred debts.
How Wage Garnishment is Used to Collect Your Debts
Wage garnishment is when your employer withholds part of your paycheck to satisfy a court order requiring you to repay a debt. The Consumer Credit Protection Act regulates wage garnishment and limits the amount you can be garnished.
How to Fight Phantom Debt
Debt collectors, hungry for money, sometimes make up debts and try to get you to pay them. You don't have to pay these phantom debts. Find out how to recognize a phantom debt scam and what to do about it.
Pay a Debt Collection
In 2007, the FTC received more than 70,000 complaints against debt collectors - the third parties who collect debts from banks and other businesses. It goes without saying that debt collectors don't always follow the rules. Here's some information that will help you deal, or not deal, with collection agencies.
A Background on Collection Accounts
At some point, you may have pulled your credit report and noticed an account labeled collection. If you're like many others who've never heard this term, you undoubtedly wondered what is a collection, how did it get on your credit report, and what does it mean.
Stop Debt Collector Calls
Calls from debt collectors are usually unwanted and can border harrassment. Federal laws give you rights that protect you from such calls.
When Can Debt Collectors Call
Debt collectors seem to call at the most inconvenient times, don't they? What times are debt collectors really allowed to call you?
15 FDCPA Violations
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FDCPA, dictates how debt collectors can act when collecting a debt from you. Know what a debt collector can and can't do. If you need to reference the law, citations have been provided.
How to Attack Zombie Debt

If you’ve ever watched Night of the Living Dead or 28 Days Later, then you know about zombies. They’re impossible to kill and continue to haunt you despite your best efforts to stop them. Shooting them doesn’t work, tearing off their limbs doesn’t work, blowing them up doesn’t work. Zombie debt is sort of like that.

“Zombie debt” …
Make Collectors Prove You Owe
Debt validation is your right to have the debt collectors prove you owe what they say you owe. If the collector can't validate the debt, they can't collect from you.
Debt Validation FAQ
Don't believe you truly owe a debt? You have the right to force the debt collector to prove you owe the debt. Debt validation is your federal right granted under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
What's the Statute of Limitations On Debt
The statute of limitations on a debt keeps debt collectors from collecting on it forever. The limit varies by state and depends on the account's last date of activity.
Tactics For Paying Off Debt Collections
Before you pay off a collection account, first negotiate with the debt collector to have your credit report updated to something that works in your favor. As you work with debt collectors to negotiate a payment, keep in mind what you and the collector want from the deal.
Should You Pay an Old Collection
When a debt collector contacts you to pay an old collection, you might wonder if it's worth paying, especially if the statute of limitations has run out.
Sample Cease and Desist Letter For Debt Collectors
When you want to stop calls from debt collectors it must be communicated to them in writing. Federal law requires that debt collectors stop attempting to contact you as requested by a cease and desist letter.
Sample Debt Validation Letter For Debt Collectors
Debt validation requests should be made in writing. Here is a sample debt validation letter you can send to collectors.
Summary of Debt Collection Complaints to FTC in 2007
The FTC report on debt collection complaints received in 2007.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Debt collectors aren't free to take whatever means necessary to collect a debt. In fact, they are governed by federal laws. Being aware of these laws helps protect you from the unscrupulous practices of certain debt collectors.
When Debt Collectors Lie
Debt collectors aren't known for their honest attempts to collect a debt from you. Find out what to do when a debt collector lies to collect from you.
Making A Deal With Debt Collectors
Sometimes you just can't afford to pay what the debt collector is asking. Find out how to play hardball and negotiate a better deal with your debt collectors.

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