1. Avoid getting panicked.
Collectors want a reaction from you. It’s in their personality for some reason. More importantly they want money from you. When you tell them no, they get mad. They want you to get mad in return so be calm at all times and be polite. Nothing infuriates debt collector more than person who is calm and polite while they are getting upset and aggressive. If you can’t pay, you can’t pay. it is that simple. There is nothing wrong in saying this. It won’t be what they want to hear, but that isn’t your problem. It’s simply the truth. The sooner you realize this fact, the sooner you can take steps to find a real solution.
2. Get information!
Find out who they are collecting for and what company they represent. Find out the address for where to send mail. If they won’t give this information to you, hang up, they aren’t a legitimate collection agency. A licensed and bonded collection agency will be happy to give your their contact address, and are also happy to know the name of your attorney and will contact that attorney rather than harass you.
3. Know your rights!
If you advise them not to contact you further, they have to respect that. This is why you get their address, so you can send a letter advising them to have no further contact with you. You should send it certified, return receipt requested. If they contact you after that, it is an FDCPA violation.
If you are our client - remember the Mantra! If you are one of our clients who has signed and paid a retainer, then you may state the following:
“My attorney’s name is Jarrod H. Jennings. His phone number is 801-883-8332. I do not wish to have any further contact with you. Have a nice day.”
After you have finished that, HANG UP! You hired us to handle your creditors, let us do our job! If they call you back again, repeat the mantra until you are blue in the face and let us know they are still calling.
