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Know your rights if you’re contacted by a debt collector

March 4, 2009

It is always important to know your rights when it comes to debt collectors. Unfortunately right now it’s even more important. It seems that debt collectors are going to new levels to collect money from individuals who don’t even owe them money.

A friend of mine e-mailed me this week about a situation she is facing with a debt collector. A debt that she does not owe was turned over to a collection agency. When she received the collection notice, she called the collection agency and explained that it was not a valid debt.

The debt collector then proceeded to tell my friend it would just be better if she paid them so that it didn’t end up on her credit report, and she could continue to dispute the original debt with the company that turned her over to collections.

This was nothing more than a scare tactic to try to get her to pay money she doesn’t owe.

I thought that was pretty smarmy until I read an article in the New York Times today about debt collectors going after relatives of deceased people who passed away leaving debt behind.

In many cases when a loved one dies, the family is not obligated to pay off his or debts, especially out of their own pockets. There may be cases where a debt collector would have a legal right to go after the deceased’s estate. But, this story details practices that are down right wrong and manipulative.

If you are contacted by a debt collector, ask for verification – in writing – that the debt is yours. If you are contacted regarding debt left by a deceased loved one, take some time to find out if you are legally obligated to pay the debt.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines your legal rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors.

Written by admin · Filed Under Debt 

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