Hope everyone is had a relaxing holiday season. 🙂 Below, is a blog from The Phoenix Group, https://thephenixgroup.com. It has some good pointers to keep in mind if you happen to be unlucky enough to come across debt collectors who don’t work within the rules.
If you’ve ever dealt with bill collectors and debt collectors, then you know how stressful it is. Most debt collectors are polite and offer reasonable options to help you take care of your obligations. However, there are those who are not courteous or professional, and they can make your life a living hell. Especially, when it hits your credit report & makes it difficult to do credit repair
Debt collectors do have restrictions and are subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act requires that they engage in fair practices when attempting to collect a debt. Still, there are those debt collectors that walk a fine line between what’s acceptable and what’s not.
The FDCPA was passed in 1977, and the idea was to protect consumers against unscrupulous and unfair debt collection practices. Since this act’s passing, most of the violations and bad practices have stopped, but there are still companies, such as Transworld Systems, that employ tactics that make life rough for consumers.
Transworld received countless complaints regarding their debt collection practices and have been in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission. Here are a few things to watch out for when dealing with a debt collectors such as Transworld Systems.
Outright Harassment
According to FDCPA, debt collectors cannot leave robocalls or send unsolicited text messages. They can’t use foul language. If they send you mail, the envelope can’t contain information about debt collection that could embarrass you. Lastly, debt collectors can’t repeatedly call you.
Threatening Violence
Debt collectors can’t threaten a consumer with violence nor can they pretend to be law enforcement, a government agency or have the authority they don’t have.
Unreasonable Correspondence
Debt collectors can’t call you at unreasonable times. For example, if you wish not to be called at work, they must abide by that. Also, debt collectors can’t call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or after the regular working hours of the consumer, if they’re not on a standard 9-5 schedule.
Ignoring Request For Proof
If a debt collector is contacting you, they’re legally bound to provide you with the proof of that debt should you request it. They must send this request to you in writing, and it must contain all of the details regarding the debt and the collection agency assigned to your case. If you see any inaccuracies, you have the right to dispute them.
Mislead You
A debt collector can’t agree to do something for you and then not follow through. For example: If they tell you they’re going to clear your debt with the credit reporting agencies if you settle up, then they must follow through with that. If they do make a promise, make sure to get it in writing.
Document Everything
When dealing with debt collection agencies such as Transworld Systems, it’s vital you get everything in writing. Avoid discussing these matters with their agents over the phone in favor of a paper trail that can be used as proof should you need it. This is essential when doing credit restoration as well.