When dealing with financial troubles, nothing may be more intimidating than when the phone rings. Debt collectors frequently call people to remind them of their overdue payments or to ask for immediate payment for past due amounts. A person in Florida who is struggling to keep up with credit card debt and other obligations may feel flustered and confused.
When debt collectors call, people are advised to remain calm and polite. Most of these calls are recorded, so people are wise to think carefully about what they say. Before agreeing to make a payment, people should request written verification of the debt to insure the debt is valid. In fact, requesting written confirmation of all agreements is a good idea. It is also advisable for people to take notes throughout the call.
Debt collectors are only permitted to call between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Additionally, they may not call a person at work unless that person’s employer allows it. They may not make idle threats or use abusive language, and they are not allowed to call a person at all if that person has notified them in writing to stop calling. People who are contacted by debt collectors who break these rules are encouraged to keep a log of the incidents and report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If creditors persist and people in Florida are overwhelmed by the debt in their lives, they may reach a point where they feel the need for a fresh start. Then they may decide to contact an attorney who has experience helping with credit card debt. Once a plan is in place for dealing with the financial burdens that have been weighing them down, many people feel that they can finally face the future with hope and no longer fear the ringing of the telephone.
Source: yahoo.com, “6 Ways to Handle Pushy Debt Collectors“, Tiffany Aliche, July 21, 2016