Dealing with debt collection agencies can be very stressful as they like to use tactics that border on harassment.
They tend to call the debtors everyday day to chase for payment.
The best way to deal with these debt collectors is to contact them directly to negotiate with them.
Communication is the best solution to stop the irritating phone calls and letters.
Instead of ignoring them, you are advised to take proactive action to face them.
Here are some tips you need to bear in mind when dealing with them.
First thing first, whenever the collector approaches you, you should be calm and ask the representative to provide you the proof that you owe the debt.
This is to protect your good self from paying duplicated payment.
By law, the collection agencies have to respond within 30 days.
If they are unable to send you the proof, they must stop all the collection attempts.
Secondly, after they have shown you the proof, you should then start to negotiate with them.
You are advised to evaluate your financial position before you discuss with them.
If you don't have enough funds for debt settlement, you should request from the collector to alter the terms of your loan.
You may ask them to reduce your current interest rate or extend your loan term or even adjust your monthly payment.
Many people have negative view on debt collection agencies.
In fact, many of them are willing to open for negotiations.
Thirdly, do not provide the debt collectors with your account details as they may take the advantage to access to your account.
Fourthly, if the collector agrees to your proposed offer to accept the reduced debt amount, you are reminded to request for the deletion of negative remarks from your credit report.
To sum up, you must be smart when dealing with the debt collectors.
Make sure your rights are not being abused.