Chattanooga: How a Lawyers Can Help You Deal With Collection Agencies

    CHATTANOOGA, TN, July 07, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- If you want to deal with Chattanooga creditors the right way, you need to learn how to respond to debt collector calls and other annoyances. Here are the top tips for responding to collection calls.

Don't Ignore the Issue

When debt collectors first try to contact you, it can be tempting to ignore them or immediately send them a written request to stop (which they must honor). However, it is best that you deal with debt collectors rather than try to avoid them. First, avoiding or shutting out debt collectors will often make them try even harder, and they are allowed to email you, text you and contact you at work - although when it comes to work calls, you can ask them to stop. Second, avoiding a creditor or collector is more likely to accelerate the process. A creditor is more likely to sell a debt to a more ruthless collection agency or pursue a lawsuit if you keep avoiding them. It is much better to review the debt information, talk to the collector about payment options, and deal with the problem.

Know Your Rights

Because collection agencies have made such a big business out of collection calls, many consumers don't know about their rights when it comes to debts. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines these rights, and it is well worth reading the points of this act and other information provided by the FTC regarding your rights. Chattanooga collectors are bound by many laws - on when they can call you, what language they must use, who they can tell about your debt (no one) and more - and these laws are often ignored because collectors assume ignorance on the part of the debtor. Learn your rights and use them.

Study the Facts and Details

Take a close look at the details of your debt provided by the collector. Study the timing, the interest, the principal and what the debt was for. If these records do not match up with your own debt information, you have probably found an error - which can be quite common in debt cases. When you find an error, you need to immediately send in information and a formal announcement that you are disputing the debt. If you want to learn more, contact a Chattanooga attorney to learn more information.

Be Wary of Scams

There are many different ways for collectors to try and trick or scam you, so be careful and double-check everything you are told. For example, you are never required to immediately wire money or send money through the mail via express - this creates extra charges and is not necessary. You are also not required to use a credit card to pay off your debt: That's just a way for collection agencies to get you even further in debt.

Get Everything in Writing

Everything that you do or hear about needs to be in writing when dealing with collection agencies. When in doubt - and when not in doubt - get it in writing and save a record.

Established in 1983, Clark & Washington is now one of the leading bankruptcy filers in the Southeast. They have locations in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Clark & Washington specializes in personal chapter seven and 13 bankruptcy. They offer honest, helpful legal advice to those experiencing financial hardships.

For more information, visit www.chattanooga-bankruptcy-attorney.com

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