Stop debt collection harassing phone calls with just one simple, free letter…or so THEY claim! Instead, these credit repair “experts pushing their free “STOP Debt Collection” letters forget something kind of important.
Car dealers fill your TV screen with small print when advertising that super-hot killer deal available only to you and for a limited time….
So do credit (dis)repair “experts”– they’re no different.
These “experts” get you all excited about the “magic pill” letter that only requires a $.42 cent stamp and you’re good to go.
Today, a lady named Jayne, who’s on my Credit-Success list, emailed me.
Apparently, Jayne is on a different credit repair list and the list owner sent her an email with a FREE letter for “stopping debt collection calls”.
Jayne thought it sounded too good to be true.
What I told Jayne is what I’m about to tell you: the letter is real…that’s simply Fair Debt Collection Practices ACT (FDCPA).
The problem with this LETTER and EMAIL (see above) is more serious than a letter that seems too good to be true.
Click the READ MORE link below for the part these credit repair “experts” either do not know or “forget” to tell you…shame on them!
THE SMALL PRINT SAYS IT ALL!
You have the right under FDCPA to inform a debt collector you do NOT want to receive phone calls. In fact, here’s the sample “Do Not Call” letter Jayne received from this credit repair “expert” (see below):
Debt Collector – Do Not Call
Your Name
Mailing Address
City, State, ZIPCollector
Collector Address
City, State, ZipDate:
Re: Acct # XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
Dear Collection Representative,
I would like to request in writing, that no telephone contact be made by your offices to my home or to my place of employment. If your offices attempt telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties, it will be documented and considered harassment. All future communications with me must be done in writing and sent to the address noted in this letter by USPS.
Best regards,
Your Name
Address
Phone #
Now, here’s what the credit repair “expert” either does NOT know to tell you or “forgot” to tell you about firing off this type of letter.
And these TWO overlooked points might just put you in HOT water:
1. BEWARE contacting a debt collector. Any time you contact a debt collector by phone or mail, you risk further collection activity. By sending a letter, you acknowledge you’re getting their calls. Are you prepared to be sued?
Suggestion: Before you fire off a “do not call” letter or make any type of contact with a debt collector, you must understand your state’s laws about resetting statute of limitations. You also need to know if the debt collector (aka “Furnisher”) is reporting your account accurately.
Suggestion: You might consider programming your phone not to ring when the debt collector’s regular calls come in, whether at work or at home.
2. BEWARE recording a phone call! In the credit repair “expert’s” email above, this person advises you to record a debt collector’s calls & conversations. If you are simply turning all debt collection phone calls to a voice recorder, that’s one thing (debt collectors usually will not leave a detailed message because most will not incriminate themselves).
More importantly, in many states it’s ILLEGAL to record a phone conversation without the express permission of the party with whom you’re speaking.
Suggestion: If you’re compelled to send a “do not call” letter to the debt collector, insert a statement in the letter informing the debt collector all calls regarding this alleged debt will be recorded (that is, all calls to you at home, at work & to neighbors or family members debt collectors might call to try to intimidate you).
What is your experience with debt collection phone calls? Which debt collector gave you a hard time? What did you do about it? Please share any experience, question or comment about debt collectors.
Debt collector letter offered FREE should come with a HUGE disclaimer for you to use at your own risk.
Welcome back! Got a question for me...or an experience to share? Please go to the bottom of this article to ask a question or share an experience. :) Thank you!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
WHAT ABOUT HOSPITAL BILLS AND DOUBLE ACCOUNTS?
Laron, who’s reporting these two accounts that are doubled? Check accuracy & statute of limitations of the account. It’s not wise just to fire off a dispute letter. You don’t want to get yourself sued. When you find an error or the account is outside SOL, dispute each. Thanks for asking.
Good advice….I guess most people’s first instinct when seeing this letter is send it out to a debt collector….thanks for giving reasons to think about before sending.
What about hospital bills and double accounts? The same account should not be reported more than one time…especially with a dollar amount and “open” attached to it.