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How to Stop Debt Collectors from Harassing You
By: Richard Coleman, Esq.
If you have to deal with debt collectors, because of a debt that you owe, you will need to learn how to stop frequent harassment, intimidation and abusive conduct that debt collectors engage in to attempt to collect a debt.

As an attorney at law for over 30 years, I am able to provide to you valuable tips and steps you can take to arm yourself to do battle with debt collectors,collection companies and creditors who may step over the line by engaging in improper or unlawful conduct,and violate laws that protect you from debt collectors.

After you have received a debt collection letter,you may have to deal with the debt collector because you want to resolve a debt that you owe; however,you don't know what to do and how to approach the debt collector,collection company or creditor.

You may already know that there are Federal and state laws that are supposed to provide protection to you from unscrupulous debt collectors. This article assumes you want to pay a lawful debt that you owe. There are circumstances and issues, where the debt is not lawful, or you do not owe the debt or the debt collector has failed to comply with procedural safeguards and, therefore you may not be required to pay the "debt".

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act establishes Federal rights for consumers against abusive debt collection practices by debt collectors, collection companies and creditors. Many states have adopted in whole,or in part, this Federal law or have enacted other consumer-oriented laws and regulations to protect consumers from abusive debt collectors and their intimidating conduct.

For example, in New York State, the Attorney General will enforce State laws against debt collectors,illegal debt collection practices and conduct of debt collectors and collection agencies.

You may find it in your best interests to pay the debt you owe if it is a legitimate debt. There are debt free programs available to you to assist you in dealing with your debt situation. You have nothing to lose to find the best debt free programs available to assist you with debt management.

If you decide that you want to tackle the debt collector yourself without using a third party, such as an attorney or other company, that for a fee, will negotiate your debt as your representative, then you must require that any arrangement and the specific terms that you agree to with the debt collector, such as an installment agreement where you will pay a certain sum every month, must, and that is a must,be memorialized by a written letter, dated, on the letterhead of the debt collection company or creditor, and signed by an authorized representative/employee of that company or creditor, confirming the exact terms you agreed to.

This written proof that spells out the terms of the agreement and how you will pay the debt, will later prevent the debt collector or another debt collector who may take over the account (they do this very often), from trying to harass you by claiming that you haven't paid your debt; that you haven't paid anything, or even denying that you have made any arrangement or attempt, at all, to pay the debt.

Remember, whatever deal and agreement you make with a debt collector, get it in writing and signed by an authorized representative. Tell the debt collector or collection company that you will not make any payment until you have their written agreement, confirming the terms of your debt setlement, in your possession.

Learn How to Deal with Abusive Debt Collectors at
http:// www.squashdebt.net where Richard Coleman,
Esq, a Consumer attorney,reveals Tools & Tips to
Help You level the Playing Field.

Added on: Nov 24, 2007
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