Dealing with collection agencies can be a very daunting task. Especially if you are not sure what to expect or even what to do about the situation. You may feel like you are at their mercy and that there is nothing you can do. The problem is, it will not just go away and it will not get better without you taking control of the situation. Collection agencies are used by creditors to try and recover money that is owed to them. They are often aggressive in their approach and can be very intimidating. But you got this! Take a deep breathe and read on for how to conquer collections.
Get Organized
This means getting all of your financial documents in order. Get a handle on what you owe and to whom. This will help you immensely when it comes time to negotiate with the collection agency. They will be more likely to work with you if they can see that you are taking the situation seriously and are trying to do something about it.
Don’t Ignore Them
The first thing you need to do is face the situation head on. Don’t ignore their calls or letters, this will only make the situation worse. Ignoring them will not make them go away, it will only give them more time to add on fees and interest.
Once you have started communicating with the collection agency, be sure to get everything in writing. This way you will have a record of your conversations and can refer back to them if needed. It is important that you are clear and concise in your communications. Don’t give them any more information than they need and don’t make any promises that you cannot keep.
Your Options
-You can try to negotiate with the collection agency to see if they are willing to work with you on a payment plan or lower the amount that you owe.
-You can dispute the debt if you think that you do not actually owe it or if the amount is inaccurate.
-You can request validation of the debt, which means that the collection agency has to send you proof that you owe the debt.
-You can tell the collection agency to stop contacting you. This is called a cease and desist letter.
Whatever option you choose, it is important to remember that you have rights and there are things that collection agencies cannot do. For example, they cannot threaten you, use profanity, or make false statements. They also cannot contact you outside of normal business hours or at your place of work if you have asked them not to. If a collection agency is violating your rights, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Your Credit Score
One of the first things you need to understand is how this will affect your credit score. Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. It is used by lenders to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a loan. The higher your score, the better. A lower score can make it difficult to get approved for loans or lines of credit. It can also result in higher interest rates. So, it is important to understand how collections will affect your score.
According to Experian, a collection account will stay on your report for seven years from the date you first missed a payment. This means that if you have a collection account that is paid off, it will still show up on your report for seven years. However, the good news is that as time goes by, it will have less and less of an impact on your score. So, if you have a collection account that is a few years old, don’t worry too much about it.
Garnishments
Garnishments are one of the most common ways that collection agencies try to collect on a debt. This is when they contact your employer and request that a certain amount of money be deducted from your paycheck each week and sent to them. If you are being Garnished, it is important to know that you have rights. The Garnishment can only be for a certain percentage of your paycheck and they cannot take money that is considered to be essential, such as child support. If you are being Garnished, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options.
Know Your Rights
The first step in taking control of the situation is to know your rights. Collection agencies are regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act prohibits certain types of behavior by collection agencies, such as harassment, making false statements, and using unfair practices. Familiarize yourself with your rights under this act so that you can identify if the collection agency is acting inappropriately.
If the collection agency is violating your rights, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This will not make the debt go away, but it may stop the harassment and help you to negotiate a repayment plan.
Negotiate
The next step is to negotiate with the collection agency. It is important to remember that you are not obligated to pay any more than you can afford. Be firm in your negotiation and do not agree to anything that you cannot afford.
If you are able to come to an agreement, be sure to get it in writing before making any payments. This will help protect you if the collection agency does not hold up their end of the bargain.
Confirm the Debt
This means that you request proof from the collection agency that you actually owe the debt. They should be able to provide you with a copy of the original contract or agreement, as well as any documentation showing that you have missed payments. Once you have this information, you can start to work on a plan.
Making Payments
Once you have reached an agreement, you will need to make your payments on time and as agreed. If you are having trouble making payments, be sure to contact the collection agency right away. Many times they are willing to work with you to set up a more affordable payment plan.
Keep in mind that even if you are making payments, the collection agency can still report the debt to the credit bureaus. This will impact your credit score and make it difficult to get new lines of credit.
Bring in Extra Income
There are a few things that you can do to bring in extra income to help with your debt. One option is to get a part-time job. This can be difficult if you have a lot of other obligations, but even working a few hours a week can make a big difference. Another option is to sell some of your belongings that you no longer need or use. This can be a great way to make some extra money while also decluttering your home. Finally, you could look into ways to make money from home, such as through freelancing or online surveys. Whatever option you choose, bring in extra income to help pay off your debt.
If you are struggling to take control of the situation on your own, there are many resources available to help you. You can consult with a credit counseling agency or even an attorney specializing in debt relief.
Taking control of your debt situation can be a difficult and scary process. But by following these steps, you can conquer collections and get back on track financially. Remember, you are not alone and there is help available if you need it.
