Unwanted phone calls, including robocalls, telemarketing calls, and debt collector calls, are at an all-time high in the United States. A staggering 4.7 billion robocalls are made every month, according to YouMail. Debt collection agencies and scammers are increasingly using these methods to harass people, making it vital to understand how to protect yourself and stop these interruptions.
While it’s difficult to completely block these calls, there are measures you can take to reduce unwanted calls, especially those from debt collectors, telemarketers, and scammers trying to collect debts or engage in deceptive practices.
One of the first actions you can take to stop unwanted calls is to ensure your phone number is listed on the National Do Not Call Registry. This service, run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),makes it unlawful for most telemarketers to call numbers on the registry.
The Do Not Call list helps protect both cellular and landline numbers from unsolicited marketing calls. However, debt collection calls are not covered by the registry, since debt collectors are allowed to pursue payment on delinquent debts.
Once you add your number to the list, it stays there indefinitely unless you choose to remove it. Debt collectors who continue to call you, despite your number being on the list, could be violating the law and engaging in unfair practices.
How does the Do Not Call registry protect you?
· Telemarketers and Sales Calls: The registry prevents sales calls from companies that do not have an existing relationship with you.
· Debt Collection Calls: The Do Not Call list does not stop debt collectors from calling you about debt repayment, but it can limit other kinds of marketing calls.
Exemptions include:
· Calls from debt collectors seekingpayment.
· Calls from political campaigns, non-profitorganizations, or companies with whom you have an ongoing businessrelationship.
To add your number to the Do Not Call Registry, visit donotcall.gov or call1-888-382-1222. The list applies nationwide, and many states rely on the federal government’s Do Not Call list for enforcement, though a few states have their own lists.
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While the Do Not Call list is effective at blocking many unwanted calls, it doesn't stop debt collectors from contacting you. If you're dealing with past due debts—whether related to medical bills, credit cards, household debts, or delinquent taxes—debt collectors may still contact you.
For example, debt collectors can contact you about unpaid debts and engage in credit reporting; that may damage your credit score as they report a delinquency to a credit reporting company. In some cases, these calls may involve wage garnishment or other forms of collection activity, depending on the situation.
When debt collectors contact you, it's important to understand your rights and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA),which governs debt collection. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from using obscene or profane language, calling you at inconvenient hours, or engaging in deceptive practices.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act includes much more than this; it is a comprehensive law that is designed to protect you from debt collection activity that rises to harassment. For instance, debt collectors cannot use public means such as social media to contact you for debt collection. They can privately contact you through social media, but under the debt collection practices act, they must stop using social media to contact you if you tell them you do not want to be reached that way.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission; learn more about this and other debt collection laws from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the FTC.
Learn more: What to Do When a Debt Collector Calls: Know Your Rights
If a debt collector sues you, it’s likely because they’ve been unsuccessful in debt collection through regular means. In this case, they may seek to obtain a court order for wage garnishment, a lien on your bank account, or even court costs. The debt collector may also attempt to collect interest on the amount owed, making your debt grow even further.
If you receive court papers regarding a debt collector suing you, don’t ignore them. You may need to appear in state or federal court, depending on where the case is filed, to present your side and resolve the issue.
Debt collectors work for creditors or collection agencies. In some cases they buy unpaid debts from other companies, including debt buyers. These buyers are often third-party collection companies that regularly collect debts owed by consumers. They may use various tactics to recover the money, such as contacting you via phone or even sending letters via certified mail to ensure they have a return receipt.
Many debt collectors will also report your accounts to credit reporting companies, which can negatively affect your credit score. This means that if you owe the debt, it could show up on your credit report for years and make it more difficult to access federal benefits like social security benefits or secure loans.
If you have overdue debts and you’re concerned about your credit reporting, remember that debt collectors must follow the rules of the Debt Collection Practices Act and should provide you with a validation notice if you request one.
A debt collector may use underhanded means to "shame" you into making payment on an old debt. Learn more about debt shaming from our article "Protect Yourself from Debt Shaming Collection Tactics."
If you find that debt collectors are frequently contacting you and you’re struggling to manage your debts, consider reaching out for help. A debt collection company can be intimidating to negotiate with, there are nonprofit debt counselors who offer free consultations. We can help you develop a plan to reduce your debt, deal with with debt collectors, and avoid further debt collection issues.
For example, many debt collection agencies or debt buyers are open to working out an agreement creating a partial payment plan that fits your budget. However, it’s crucial to get all agreements in writing and ensure you understand how payments apply to your debt.
When dealing with debt collectors, be careful with your personal information. Always verify that the debt collector is legitimate and that they have the proper debt collector permission to contact you. Never provide sensitive personal or financial information to someone you haven't verified.
If you're dealing with an aggressive debt collector or unsure of the legitimacy of a debt collection agency, consider consulting with an attorney or filing a complaint with your state attorney general’s office. Know your rights under the fair debt collection practices act when deciding what information to share.
Dealing with debt collection and unwanted calls can be overwhelming, but there are legal protections in place to help you. Signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce sales calls and limit harassment from telemarketers, but it won’t stop debt collectors from calling you about delinquent debts. Understanding your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and knowing how to handle debt collection calls can protect you from unfair practices and help you manage your financial information responsibly.
If you’re facing significant debt collection issues, get help from Credit.org today. We're a nonprofit credit counseling agency, ready to help you reduce your debt, work with any credit reporting company to rebuild your credit, and make sure your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act are honored.
