Banks and other financial institutions often make debt collection calls if there is any delay in the settlement of your debts. But banks and debt collectors must follow the law that regulates the guidelines for making debt collection calls. The best strategy to deal with debt collection calls is to consult an attorney to get professional advice on the matter.
Book an appointment with Midland Credit phone harassment to deal with debt collection calls. Besides, there are other ways to exercise your consumer rights if you receive phone harassment from the bank. If their actions and behaviour are unethical, you must report their wrongdoings to federal agencies.
Strategies To Deal With Debt Collection Calls And Phone Harassment
Debt collection calls can be overwhelming and hard to deal with if you are struggling with debts. Taking control of your finances and making strategies to handle the situation can help you to tackle the situation. Make an effort to notify the bank of your financial status so you can develop a plan that will make the settlement of debts easier.
1. Stay Updated With Your Rights
Nowadays, it’s essential to be aware of some basic laws and regulations that will help you to exercise and protect your consumer rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) lays out the guidelines that debt collectors must adhere to when making an effort to collect a debt. Debt collectors are prohibited from abusing you verbally, lying to you, or harassing you under the FDCPA.
Additionally, they are not permitted to phone you at unfavourable hours such as before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if a debt collector transgresses any of these guidelines.
2. Record Your Debt Collection Calls
It is essential to record your debt collection calls so you can have proof of their misconduct or unethical practices. You must also store emails, text messages or letters to your address containing threats or abusive language. If possible record the date and time of the phone call, and the name of the debt collection agent that spoke with you.
It may be possible the bank or the agency is not aware of the wrongdoings within their organisation. Having information about the person will help in taking serious action against them. Having a recording of your conversation will serve as evidence if you intend to take legal action against the bank.
3. Attend All Debt Collection Calls
Ignoring calls from debt collectors won’t make the debt disappear. In fact, it might worsen the condition. The bank or debt agency may take legal action against you if you don’t reply to them, including suing you or garnishing your earnings. It is preferable to confront the problem head-on and negotiate a settlement or payment schedule.
Nevertheless, attending to their calls will assist you gather proof of their illegal behaviour if they refuse to cooperate or are pestering you. Additionally, it will increase both your chances of success in court as well as the likelihood that the federal government will file a lawsuit.
4. Negotiate a Settlement or Payment Schedule
You might be able to work out a payment plan or settlement with the debt collector if you are unable to settle off the entire debt or loan amount at once. Be open and truthful about your financial condition and your capacity to pay. A reduced payment or a longer repayment time can be negotiable. Make sure to get a written agreement if you come to one.
Banks and financial institutions can aid you with debt repayment plans that you can choose to settle your dues. You might seek legal remedies to safeguard your consumer rights if the bank or debt collector refuses to cooperate despite your efforts and activities with them and keeps calling you repeatedly to collect debts.
5. Reach Out for Professional Advice
Dealing with debt collection calls can lead to mental stress and anxiety. Consider getting expert assistance if you are drowning in debt and unsure of where to turn. Getting professional advice will help you to tackle your situation and will aid you to come up with strategies to settle the debt amount. A credit counsellor can assist you in developing a spending plan and debt repayment strategy.
If the bank or debt collector is making repetitive debt collection calls irrespective of your efforts, consider hiring an advocate. A lawyer with experience in debt collection cases should be consulted if you want to take legal action against the bank. Besides, if the bank or debt collector files a lawsuit for being unable to settle the debt amount, an attorney can come up with the best strategies to defend your case.
6. Stay Updated With The Laws
A number of rules and regulations exist that can aid to combat the major issue of bank phone harassment. Consumers who are being called by banks or debt collectors on the phone are protected under the FDCPA, TCPA, CFPA, and state legislation.
It’s critical to be aware of your rights and take protective measures if you’re being harassed over the phone by a bank. To halt the harassment and hold the bank or debt collector responsible, you can register a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, employ an attorney, or take other legal action.
The Bottom-line
In conclusion, dealing with debt collection calls might be difficult and it can lead to mental stress and anxiety. The best way to deal with the situation is to inform your bank or debt collector about your financial status and customize a plan that will help in the settlement of your debts. You must report any unethical actions including phone harassment or threats.
Additionally, you must also be aware of your legal rights as a consumer if the bank is making repetitive debt collection calls. You can take charge of your money and move towards debt freedom by being aware of your rights. Make sure to keep a record of communications, addressing the problem head-on.
