What Not To Do When A Collection Agency Calls

While there are many different articles telling you want to do when a collection agency calls, there are fewer that tell you what not to do when a collection agency calls. It is a good idea to know what not to do when you are dealing with a collection agency. Sometimes, it isn’t what you do but what you say that can get you into a lot of trouble with a collection agency and can get you into a world of trouble, if you don’t think first. So here is what you shouldn’t do when a collections agency calls regarding a debt.

The first thing to do is to watch what you say to the agent trying to collect a debt. Don’t lose your temper or threaten the agent. Remember, these calls are always taped and if you threaten an agent, then you are as good as jail bound. Making threats is a sure way to break the law. Depending upon what is said, you could be facing serious charges and serious jail time. Keep your cool no matter what is said to you during the call. Never threaten anyone with bodily harm death or anything else like that.

Don’t curse the agent out. The agent is doing a job that he or she is paid to do. While the economic times are pretty hard now, you need to keep a cool head and remember that you do owe the debt and that most agents will work with you if they see that you are trying to pay an outstanding debt to them. If you are showing that you are trying to pay the debt, but if you curse them out, that goes out the window as will your hopes of getting the matter resolved peacefully.

Don’t hang up on them, no matter what the provocation. If you get into a disagreement or feel that you are being harassed, then speak to a supervisor. If you hang up on them that is just a license to keep calling you until the matter is resolved. And they will keep calling you if they can reach you the first time. Remember that. If things get too rough then tell the agent you are hanging up and dial the number again and speak to a supervisor if you cannot get through the agent that you are talking to.

Never welsh on an agreement to pay. Basically speaking, that can get you into hot water as well. If you are having financial difficulties, then immediately contact the collection agency. Don’t wait until the payment is due and just not make it. Talk to the agent and find out what can be done to keep further collections calls and actions from happening. Most agents will work with you in regards to this, but a warning here. Don’t keep this type of activity up. More than one missed payment and the collection calls will start again and efforts will be redoubled to collect the account.