Different debt collectors operate at different levels, and there are unfortunately some out there who, despite state and federal laws regulating their conduct, use hardball tactics like threats and intimidation in an attempt to collect. Nothing further aggravates the stress of being in debt like getting harassed by debt collectors. Particularly for those who are trying earnestly to get debt relief help, being pestered with phone calls by someone who doesn’t fully understand your situation can be both annoying and distressful.

Not all debt collectors are rational and reasonable; in fact, there was a great deal of media coverage recently regarding a collector who threatened the life of a debtor over a balance of $300. No matter the gravity of your financial shortcomings, you have the right to be treated with respect to your privacy and dignity. If you find yourself in such a situation where you are being threatened, don’t hesitate to call the police. Most situations will not be nearly as extreme, in which case you can simply complain to the government agency that handles such matters in your state.

The following is a list of general tips you should follow when compiling a letter voicing your collection agency complaints:

– Starting with the date of first contact by a debt collector, put all of your notes, letters and other documents in order by date. Include copies of documents that strengthen your arguments and support your version of events.

– To hold the attention of the agency official(s) who read your letter, the tone should be concise, business-like and straight to the point. Simply state who, what, and when and briefly explain the actions by the collector that you feel were abusive and in violation of the law.

– Make sure you keep a file with dates, collectors’ names, and details of any conversations or correspondence regarding your debt. Make copies of all correspondence you send and receive and save the originals.

– Start your letter by giving the first date you were contacted by the collection agency. The original date of contact can show, for example, that you have been attempting to resolve the problem directly with the collector for a long time.

– If you are unsure about what else should be included in your complaint, review the prohibited practices under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.

– Not every contact by a debt collector amounts to an abusive practice. Only the important details should be included in your complaint letter. These include rude/harassing/threatening phone calls, calls made at odd hours, and calls made to your workplace after the collector has been asked not to contact you there.

– If you want to mention the minor points, like frequent contacts that didn’t necessarily qualify as abusive, simply summarize them in a sentence or two. Frequent contacts that did not include abusive practices, may simply be noted in a summary statement. For example, “The collection agency contacted me 20 times between May 1st and June 1st.”

– Finally, assuming the debt is actually your own and you haven’t been a victim of identity theft, take steps to get ameliorate the debt by talking to a credit counselor, getting bankruptcy advice, etc.

Author Bio: By Jenny Heart. Do you have collection agency complaints? National hotlines give free bankruptcy advice, mortgage assistance, debt relief help and IRS tax debt relief.

Category: Finances
Keywords: bankruptcy advice, debt relief help, collection agency complaints