Call Me the 12th of Never

Don't you just despise collection calls at home that always come at the most awkward moments? Have them call you back the 12th of Never.


Collections calls have a tone all of their own and many of them are less than polite. Whether or not you do owe money does not mean collections personnel have the right to harass you in the privacy of your own home. You do have rights, even as a debtor, and threatening calls day or night are out of line.


If you are receiving these kinds of calls at home, do two things. First check your state legislation to find out what the law is in your state about getting collection calls. Then contact a skilled attorney to get the rest of your questions answered. You should know that there is something called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that outlines when a debt collector may call.


If you do owe the money the collector is trying to get you to pay, but don't have the means to deal with the bill, seek credit counseling rather than let the debt collection process continue. If you don't do this, the debt collection process will escalate and you may find yourself in court or with your wages garnisheed. Making payment arrangements with the help of a debt counselor will get the bill collectors off your case so they won't ruin your credit rating any further.


Again, whether or not you do owe the bill, you are still protected by law from being harassed by debt collectors and they are not allowed to call during times known to be inconvenient. Depending on where there are calling from, this might be a bit hard to avoid, given time zone differences.


Here is another tip that many people don't know: if you have sent collectors a cease and desist letter, they may not call you, with the exception of one time once they receive your letter. They do not have the right to call you at work and put your job in jeopardy either, and most definitely they are not allowed to call you while you are in the hospital or a nursing home.


For further information on your rights in this area of the law, contact a highly trained attorney who has experience in dealing with these situations. S/he will advise you on what collectors may and may not do.

Patrick Warwick is the lead content contributor for Chicago bankruptcy firm, The Law Office of Jay F. Fortier, P.C.. To speak with a Chicago bankruptcy lawyer or learn more about creditor rights, visit Westsidebankruptcy.com