Creditors can be a pain in the neck. They know logical people will pay the house payment first. That’s why they’re taught to make you emotional—bringing out emotions like anger, fear, hate and even friendship. When you become emotional, you tend to pay a collector before you pay the utilities or house payment. So, keep your emotions out of these conversations. If you start to feel emotional, politely end the conversation and ask them to call you back later when they can speak to you like a normal human being.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal act that outlines consumer rights and the restrictions of creditor calls. Know your rights!
- Calls must be between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- They can only call once every two weeks.
- They aren’t allowed to harass you or call you names.
- If a collector harasses you, let him know you’re recording the calls to ensure that he follows the FDCPA.
- You can stop unwanted collector calls at your workplace by sending a certified letter (return receipt requested) to the collector. Just ask them to stop.
- You’re even allowed to send a cease-and-desist letter requesting they no longer contact you in any way except to inform you of legal proceedings. Use this only in extreme circumstances.
- No collector can garnish wages or attack bank accounts without first suing and winning. (The only exception is student loans that are in default.)
To learn more about getting on a budget and eventually get these creditors off your back, sign up for Ramsey+ or read The Total Money Makeover.