A debt collector calling you? Here is what you can do.

There are two instances why a debt collector will call you. First, you are behind your loan payments and the creditor has hired a debt recovery agency like Cedar financial to recover the payments. Second, the collector has wrong information and that is why they are calling you.

In both the cases, remain calm and read below to understand what you can do to deal with a debt collector.

Never ignore the calls of a debt collector If you have taken a loan and missed the last few payments, you must have gotten a notice from the creditor. If you still didn’t pay, you should prepare yourself to answer a call from the collector.

Now, when a collector calls you, never ignore the call. They will keep trying to reach you by calling your office or your neighbors or friends or family If you don’t pick up. Even if you don’t owe a debt and get a call by the collector, don’t ignore it. You have to make sure you that the collector knows its not your debt so that they don’t call you again.

Get proof that the debt is yours or not

Whether you owe a debt or not, when a collector calls you, it is best to ask him to show some evidence claiming the debt to be yours. A collector will tell you to send a letter requesting proof of debt to an address, and you have limited days to send this letter.

After you do send this letter, the collector has to send you a proof to show that the debt is yours.

Ask the collector some questions

When you make the initial contact with the debt collector, make sure to never agree to have a debt or give out your financial details. The first thing that you should do is ask the debtor questions to make sure you are dealing with the collector only and not a scammer. You should ask the collector his/her name, name of the firm and name of the collector. Then cross-check with the collector as to whether they have assigned your debt with a collector or not. Also, check the authenticity of the collection firm on the internet. Know your rights You can read various blogs or contact a credit adviser to understand what laws a debtor has to protect themselves. There exist numerous laws that safeguard them like:

1. A collector cannot contact a delinquent before or after 8:00 am and 9:00 pm.
2. A debt collector has to stop calling at the workplace of the debtor if they request it in writing or if the debtor’s boss says so.3. A debt collector cannot abuse or threaten the debtor to collect the money.A collector cannot ask for more money. They are allowed to collect only the amount which a debtor owes to the creditor.

Take legal help

If you are not able to work the debt on your own, it is best to take legal help. A debt collector too can help you come up with a payment system or negotiate the price if you have a genuine reason not to pay. But if you want a bit of legal advice, you can contact a lawyer for the same.

Keep these tips in mind while handling a debt collector.

Jackson Gilbert is a Blogger. With his skills, he has been helping fellow marketers and brands worldwide. When not glued to his laptop, he can be found making travel plans that rarely happen.