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Debt Relief: Difference between revisions
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Are you being harassed by collection agencies? A creditor has the right to contact you when you fall past due on a debt owed to them. However, you have rights if you feel you are being treated unfairly by a debt collector. Your rights are protected under the [[Debt Relief:Fair Debt Collection Act|Fair Debt Collection Act]]. | Are you being harassed by collection agencies? A creditor has the right to contact you when you fall past due on a debt owed to them. However, you have rights if you feel you are being treated unfairly by a debt collector. Your rights are protected under the [[Debt Relief:Fair Debt Collection Act|Fair Debt Collection Act]]. | ||
How can | How can you protect yourself from harassment? Asking a collector to stop calling should be effective in most cases. However, a [[Debt Relief:Cease and Desist letter| Cease and Desist letter]] can be sent to third party collection agencies. The Cease and Desist letter will prevent a collection agency from calling you. Once the letter has been received, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact or notify you that a specific action will be taken. | ||
You may not send a cease and desist if the debt is still owned by the original creditor, such as a bank or credit card. Cease and desist letters may only be sent to a third party, such as a collection agency or attorney. | |||
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects debtors from unfair debt collection processes. The Act ensures you are treated fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection. The Collectors (both original and third party agencies) are unable to: | Fair Debt Collection Practices Act The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects debtors from unfair debt collection processes. The Act ensures you are treated fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection. The Collectors (both original and third party agencies) are unable to: | ||
* Harass, oppress, abuse, or publish lists of | * Harass, oppress, abuse, or publish lists of consumers who refuse payment | ||
* Use profane language | * Use profane language | ||
* Repeatedly use the telephone to badger someone | * Repeatedly use the telephone to badger someone | ||