Communicating With Debt Collectors

No one wants to receive calls from a debt collector. It’s an experience that fills us all with dread. Interacting with a debt collector can be incredibly intimidating, and many people don’t know the best way to engage or if they should at all. A reputable Florida consumer protection lawyer may be able to help. At Sharmin & Sharmin, we want to empower our clients to make knowledgeable and well-informed decisions about their financial protection. 

Debt Collector Obligations

When a debt collector calls you, there are specific guidelines they must abide by. Thanks to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors are limited in what they can say to you and how they can contact you. The purpose of the regulations is to reduce harassing behavior from debt collectors. These limitations include:

• How often they may call you
• What information they can provide in voicemail communication
• What information they must share when trying to contact you
• When the debt may be reported to a collection agency

When a debt collector contacts you, they are frequently required to provide a debt collection validation notice, which includes basic information about your debt, such as the name of the debt collector, the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed, and an account name and number, among others.

Disputing Debt 

Once a debt collector has contacted you, if you feel the debt is not yours or the amount is incorrect, you have 30 days to dispute the claim in writing. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau states that when your request is sent, they should suspend collection until they have sufficiently answered your questions about the debts. This response may include documentation such as an original invoice.

Protecting Yourself When Communicating With Debt Collectors

When you speak with debt collectors, it is crucial to be mindful of what you say, especially if you intend to dispute the debt. They will be taking notes and keeping records of your interactions. If you say anything to indicate the debt is yours, this may be used against you later. 

Keeping your records when speaking with debt collectors can be beneficial. This includes the date and time of any phone calls and the topic of discussion if you speak with them. If you send dispute letters, sending them through e-mail or certified mail can be helpful so you have proof the collection company received the communication. This can be beneficial information if you decide to retain an attorney. 

If a debt collector knows that you have obtained representation regarding your debt, they must stop contacting you and direct all inquiries to your attorney. However, they can only do this if they know and have the information, so you should let them know when they call you and provide your Sharmin & Sharmin lawyer’s contact information. 

Managing Debt Collection Communication 

It can be stressful to engage with debt collectors. Often, it is the result of financial strain already present. Sometimes, this may be the notification that you have become a victim of identity theft or credit card fraud and need help from a Florida identity theft attorney. If you feel overwhelmed by contact with a debt collector, you may be eligible to submit a complaint with the (CFPB). Handling these matters quickly, whether hiring an attorney or disputing the debt’s validity,  is the key to finding a resolution.