subject: How To Get Help With Illegal Collection Practices [print this page] Debtors prison is a practice of the past, but when youre being hounded by debt collectors it may seem like a desirable alternative to the constant phone ringing and the harassment of being told over and again that you owe money. CreditNowUSA.com is your friend and will help you regain your footing during this trying time. The Federal Trade Commission is charged with making sure creditors are abiding by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and when debt collector doesnt then you have options that you can take under the Act.
Types of illegal actions by the creditors or their agents include calling outside normally waking hours, constant contacting of your friends and family while giving them information about your debt, lying to you about what you owe, publishing your name as a debtor to publically shame you and threatening you with illegal activity such as physical harm.
The best way to keep harassing debt collectors at bay is to first speak with them to verify that you have a legal debt. You do not have to promise to pay the debt, or to make arrangements to pay the debt. Once you speak with the debt collect you can then write them a letter directing them not to contact you anymore. Send the letter certified and keep a copy of it for your files. Once the letter is received the debt collector is not legally able to contact you any more about the debt. You still owe it, but they can no longer harass you over it.
Another way to stop illegal activity, especially if the creditor is using an agent such as a debt collection service, is to contact the creditor directly with a complaint letter. The creditor may not know the extent of the over-zealous activity of their agent and once notified, should put a stop to it to protect themselves from investigation from the Federal Trade Commission.
The CreditNowUSA.com website is full of good information about how you can better manage your debt and finances.
For more information, go to Collection Practices at http://www.creditnowusa.com/Collection-Practices
