| Debt collection harassment is an annoying and | | | | Most debt collectors will also give you an option of a |
| embarrassing experience for anyone to go through. | | | | work out agreement. This means that you will decide |
| Luckily, there are ways to stop debt harassment, if | | | | on an amount to pay, typically less than that of the |
| you know your rights. The first and simplest way to | | | | entire debt, and agree on a debt repayment schedule. |
| stop a collection agency from harassing you is to send | | | | So long as you keep up on your end of the deal, the |
| a cease letter. Collection agencies are required by | | | | creditors should stop calling you for the most part. It's |
| federal law to stop contacting you once they receive | | | | possible they will call you to remind you of your |
| this letter. | | | | payments though. |
| Your cease letter does not have to explain why you | | | | Sometimes the debt collection harassment can be |
| are not paying the debt, though many people do add | | | | entirely in error. For example, it might be on an account |
| this information. If it is possible it's a good idea to have | | | | you closed in good standing or might even not be your |
| this letter sent via certified mail so that you can prove | | | | debt but that of someone with a similar name. If this is |
| they did in fact receive it. Always keep a copy of any | | | | the case you should inform the collection agency in |
| correspondence you send as well, in case you need to | | | | writing. Once they receive this request they will have |
| refer to it in the future. | | | | to stop attempts to contact you while they investigate. |
| Another way to stop debt collection harassment is to | | | | If all of these tips fall and you are still being harassed, |
| hire an attorney. Federal law prohibits collection | | | | you will need to contact a government agency. There |
| agencies from contacting you if they know you are | | | | are several government agencies that oversee and |
| represented by an attorney. While an attorney can be | | | | enforce laws that protect you from being harassed in |
| costly, if you are really being harassed they might be | | | | this manner. It is best to start with a local government |
| the best option to help you. They will know the most | | | | agency, if one is available, and work your way up to |
| current laws and can be especially helpful if you have | | | | higher agencies as necessary. |
| a valid reason for disputing the debt. | | | | |