Due to the global financial crisis, the number of debt collection agencies in the market is increasing. They are established to offer services of collecting debts on behalf of banks, financial institutions, credit card companies and loan providers. For people who are drowned in debt, it is indeed stressful to receive irritating phone calls from debt collection agents constantly. Hence, it is important to know some useful information so that you are able to avoid the unfair collection practices.
First thing first, if possible, do your best to prevent the debt collectors from contacting you. Since you know you have substantial amount of debt, you are advised to pay the minimum amount immediately. As long as you make the minimum payment, these collectors will not reach you.
On the other hand, if you are unable to do anything on your financial situation, you need to get yourself prepared to deal with the representatives from the collection agencies. To avoid unfair treatment, when you first receive the call from the collection agent, don't be panic. You must get the details of the agent in order to make sure that it is a legitimate agency. You can ignore the calls from all the unapproved debt collection agents.
In some situations, the collection agents tend to be unprofessional and unethical. For instance, they start to threaten the debtors to provide personal financial information to them. According to Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, these agencies are not allowed to do so. The debtors have the right to decline their request. If there is any harsh action taken by the agents, the debtors are advised to lodge police report.
Keep in mind that the creditors can actually be sued for their harassment and deceptive behavior. Always be cautious in avoiding yourself from becoming the victim of unfair collection practices.
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