Dealing With Aggressive Debt Collectors

Dealing with debt collectors is rarely a pleasant experience, but sometimes it can turn downright hostile. Many collectors are polite and follow the rules, but there are those who use aggressive tactics that can make you feel intimidated, stressed, and unsure of how to handle the situation. 

They may use an aggressive tone and show no concern for your financial circumstances. They can even cross the line with threats or scare tactics. Knowing how to handle these situations can help you stand your ground. It helps you avoid being bullied into making a payment you can’t afford.

If you’re struggling with debt, looking into a debt management program might help you manage and resolve your financial challenges. But first, let’s look at how you can deal with rude debt collectors and protect your rights.

Real-life instances where people leveraged social media to harass people

There was an instance when a group of debt collectors went after their targets in New York back in 2022. They called up their family, friends, and employers and cooked up  “smear campaigns” against those people who they claimed to have owed them money.

Because of this, the New York Attorney General and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau got involved and shut down the ring, which went after the debtors using various illegal techniques.

One of the targets mentioned that it has been a terrible experience since 2015, and it was nothing less than “emotional terriorism.” These debt collectors called up their family members, employers, and friends and put them under extreme pressure.

Targeting their social circle

For collecting loans and debts, these companies adopted aggressive and illegal strategies to target these alleged debtors’ friends and family to keep them under pressure. 

They identified their social circle, including their immediate family members, distant family members, in-laws, grandparents, ex-spouses, Facebook friends, work colleagues, landlords, and any other people they were associated with.

After that, they called these people, pretending to look for the debtor while letting these people know that the debtor owed them money.

Illegal tactics

It is illegal to reveal that someone has a debt to third parties by any debt collector. They cannot keep calling people even after asking them to stop multiple times. It is illegal to orchestrate smear campaigns.

In some cases, debt collectors left numerous messages in a day to their family members. They have lied multiple times to their family members, saying that they are involved in some criminal case and that they need to get hold of them.

Know Your Rights

Before you engage with any debt collector, it’s crucial to know your rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive, unfair, or deceptive debt collection practices. Understanding this law can empower you to stand up to aggressive collectors and take control of the conversation.

What Debt Collectors Can’t Do

• Use Threats or Harassment: Debt collectors are prohibited from using threats of violence, obscene language, or repeated phone calls to harass you.
• Misrepresent Themselves: They can’t pretend to be lawyers government officials, or falsely claim that you have committed a crime.
• Discuss Your Debt with Others: Collectors are not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than your attorney, you, or your spouse.

If a debt collector violates any of these rules, you have the right to report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state’s attorney general.

How do you deal with these aggressive debt collectors?

Whatever you do, it is difficult to deal with these aggressive debt collectors. However, there are a few ways to deal with this and make things a bit easier for you.

Stay Calm and Composed

When faced with an aggressive debt collector, it’s easy to become emotional or defensive. However, staying calm and composed is key to handling the situation effectively. Remember, it is within your rights to end the conversation anytime if you feel uncomfortable.

Tips for Staying Calm

• Take Deep Breaths: If you start feeling anxious or angry, take a few deep breaths to help calm your nerves.
• Keep Conversations Short: You don’t have to engage in a long conversation. If the collector is being rude, tell them you will only communicate in writing and end the call.
• Don’t Make Quick Decisions: Avoid agreeing to any payment terms on the spot. Take the time to review your financial situation and explore other options.

Ask for Written Communication

One way to take control of the situation is to request the debt collector to communicate with you in writing. This gives you a paper trail of what was said. It also allows you to take your time to review their claims and respond appropriately.

Why Written Communication Helps

• Documentation: Having everything in writing gives you a record of the collector’s statements and demands, which can be helpful if you need to dispute the debt or report the collector.
• Reduced Pressure: Written communication can reduce the pressure of a phone conversation, allowing you to review and respond on your own terms.

You can request the debt collector requesting that they only contact you in writing. Make sure to keep a copy of this letter for your records.

Verify the Debt

Before making any payments, it’s important to verify that the debt is legitimate. Debt collectors are required by law to provide you with a written validation notice. It should include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and information on how to dispute the debt if you believe it’s not yours.

Steps to Verify the Debt

1. Request Validation: Within five days of their first contact, the collector must send you a written notice. If they don’t, you can request one.
2. Review the Information: Make sure the information matches your records. If anything seems off, you can dispute the debt in writing.
3. Dispute If Necessary: If you believe the debt is not yours or the amount is incorrect, you can send a dispute letter to the collector. They must then verify the debt.

Set Boundaries

You can set boundaries on how and when debt collectors can contact you. For instance, you can request that they not contact you at work or during certain hours.

How to Set Boundaries

• Send a Cease and Desist Letter: You can send a letter to the debt collector telling them to stop contacting you. After this, they can only contact you to confirm they won’t contact you again. Or to inform you of a specific action they plan to take.
• Specify Preferred Contact Methods: Let the collector know if you prefer to be contacted by mail or email rather than by phone.

Seek Professional Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these debt collectors, it might be time to seek professional help. There are resources available to help you navigate your debt and deal with collectors in a more structured way.

Consider Debt Relief Programs

There are various debt relief programs, including those specifically for veterans, that can help you manage your debt more effectively. Programs like debt relief programs for veterans can offer support and guidance on how to reduce or settle your debt, potentially taking some of the pressure off.

Consult a Lawyer

If a debt collector is violating your rights or using aggressive tactics, consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in consumer protection. They can advise you on your rights and help you take legal action if necessary.

Conclusion: Stand Your Ground

Dealing with aggressive debt collectors can be stressful and intimidating, but you don’t have to handle it alone or let them push you around. By knowing your rights, staying calm, and taking control of the communication, you can protect yourself from being bullied into making payments you can’t afford.

Remember, it is within your rights to ask for written communication, verify the debt, and set boundaries on how collectors can contact you. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals or explore debt relief programs. The key is to stand your ground, stay informed, and take the steps that are right for you.

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