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 to learn more about creditor rights, Chicago bankruptcy, Chicago bankruptcy lawyer, Chicago bankruptcy attorney, visit Westsidebankruptcy.com.