How to Stop Calls from Debt Collectors

 

The pandemic we are experiencing right now has brought economies around the world into a deep recession. Many establishments are facing bankruptcy, asset prices see a steep decline in value, and many people lost their jobs. These can cause an individual to unable to pay their debts on time.

Do you feel like you are drowning in debt because of the overwhelming calls? Have you experienced receiving a call from your debt collectors while you're in the middle of a meeting or having a meal with family or friends? I'm telling you that you're not alone. Getting an unwanted call repeatedly can be intimidating, annoying, and even scary. Debt collectors can stoop to unlawful tactics that can intimidate individuals while trying to get money out of their pockets. In several cases, collectors use harassment and deception when they attempt to collect a debt. These harassments give stress and anxiety and some have led to marital instability, loss of job, physical and mental health issues. If you're in a situation where the creditor calls too often, uses obscene language, or sends harassing text messages, there are different ways to stop collector calls.

Know About Your Legal Rights

You are protected under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) that limits the collectors on what they can and can't do. Debt collector harassment is illegal and is not tolerated by the law. The law forbids debt collectors from threatening violence or using profane language if they don't pay. It also sets limits on where and when the collector can contact you. And if the debt collector violates the law, you might be able to use that as support in settlement negotiations.

Write a letter requesting the collector to Stop Contacting You

As a borrower, you have the right to request the debt collector to stop calling you. You can ask them to send you the communication about the debt you owe by mail only. This is known as Cease and Desist Letter. There are many sample letters online that you can copy for making the request that may stop any further communication. Just make sure to keep a copy of the letter for your records. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they must follow your written request for no contact and if they do not comply, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Figure out what debt they are collecting on

Are you stressed out by creditors perpetually calling? No need to change your phone number. Check what you owe. Find out if the debt is truly yours and decide if you want to talk to the collector. Don't agree to anything before you know what exactly they are collecting and whether the statute of limitations has expired.

You may consider ignoring the calls or block unknown numbers to block unwanted calls because they aren't allowed to contact you via phone especially if you already object to it and sent them a letter and keep a copy of it. You can send copies of the pieces of evidence and other information if the debt isn't yours.

If you need help, the Debt Consolidation team has the resources, programs, and tools that figure out what option is best for handling your debts.