SCARY, right?
Not so fast. Why have I
never received "written notification" of this supposed debt? Because
there isn't one!
They said they had my
social security number…*cue scary music* Well, liars lie and debt collectors
are consummate liars who use fear and ignorance to intimidate average
Americans.
So, after the lump in my
throat calmed down, and I was able to think rationally, what did I need to
consider? Here are my tips: Please
remember that these are tips for those who KNOW they don't owe debts of any
kind.
1)
Don't be intimidated and answer questions.
If you should happened to answer the phone and not just let these calls go to
voicemail, never confirm your identity or SSN to anyone, even if they claim to
already have your information.
A)
But they had my name? The internet makes
name and phone number info. easy to find and easier to buy. Don't be fooled. I
can find a wealth of information on anyone in today's digital age. Doesn't
mean, I'm a long lost relative if I know everything about you.
B)
It's a legitimate company, though. Doesn't
matter. If you know you owe no one, don't be fooled into paying. These
companies survive on bulk collections. For every so many people they contact,
innocents get caught up in the frenzy and it's a free payday for the company.
2)
Know your rights.
A)
What are the debt collection laws in your
state? Find out, and find out your rights. Debts have a time limit, and once it
expires a company has no legal right to collect.
B)
Also, research where you can enter a complaint
with the Federal Government if the calls become harassing in nature. Keep and
immediately submit those calls to your state's Attorney General if the caller
threatens violence or harm to you.
C)
If you speak to the debt collection
agency, ask that they submit the debt to you in writing. (Again, do not give or
confirm you mailing address. They should already have it if they are
legitimate.) The who, what, when, where, why, and how information of the debt
should all be sent to you in written form.
3)
BLOCK. I immediately block these calls
from my phone as I have no business with these companies, therefore I do not
allow them the honor of my attention.
It's
isn't always easy to shoo away the fear when you receive a call like this. The
first and foremost thing to do is to "breathe before you react."
Next, face your fears, check your finances and determine if you owe any debt,
anywhere. When you've done this, breathe again, and decide how you'll proceed.
Will you ignore them and block their calls? Will you speak with them? When
you've decided, then know your rights.
There
are plenty of articles on unscrupulous debt collection agencies capturing
innocent Americans in debts that aren't real. Regular people pay money to stop
the calls on debts that either aren't theirs or have expired. Don't let anyone
victimize you and take your money.
Lastly,
don't play mind games with these companies. They have the time and energy to
make you miserable, so if you don't owe a debt, it's best not to engage with
them on any level.
Kind
Regards,
Mary
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