There may be a multitude of individuals in Georgia and across the nation who are no stranger to the concept of dealing with constant collection attempts. Unfortunately, the average person might not fully understand his or her rights when speaking with debt collectors. Knowing the types of tactics debt collection agencies can and cannot employ and understanding one’s options when struggling under the weight of debt could play a vital role in preparing to protect one’s financial future.
When it comes to dealing with collectors, one always retains the right to inquire about the validity of the matter. Some ways to initiate this process could include taking steps to verify the agency’s information and checking one’s credit report for further information. One may also find it helpful to consider requesting the agency send out written documentation of the debt prior to providing it with any personal information.
While speaking with a debtor, there are also certain tactics that collectors are prohibited from using. Collection agencies cannot threaten a person with violence or use offensive language, and they cannot give information to unauthorized parties or refuse to disclose certain information. There are also rules that govern when collectors can attempt to reach out to a debtor by phone, along with the number of calls that can be made within a set period.
Dealing with a debt collection agency can be stressful enough as is, even without being subjected to unlawful treatment. Individuals in Georgia who encounter creditor harassment and wish to know more about how best to handle the situation could choose to consult with a bankruptcy attorney for advice. An attorney can assist a client in safeguarding his or her legal rights and work toward developing a strategy to reduce or eliminate his or her debts through the proper outlets.