Not another debt collector!

Summary:Tired of receiving calls from debt collectors and want to block their numbers? Or do you want to find out if the one who's been calling is legit? Here's how to find out the collection agencies' phone numbers!

If you are seeking collection agencies' phone numbers, there is a good chance you have been contacted by a debt collector concerning a delinquent account or unpaid bill. Many debt collection companies will initially attempt to contact you by sending a physical letter regarding the debt. If they do not receive a response, they will likely begin calling you over the phone (multiple times and throughout the day).

Getting a call from a debt collector can be overwhelming, stress-inducing, and intimidating. This is especially true if they call you out of the blue at a random time out of the day. If you are unprepared for this phone conversation, it can result in a bad outcome. For example, you could end up agreeing to pay for a debt you don't owe or paying more than the amount owed. There is also the risk that you could wind up getting into a heated argument with the debt collector which ultimately escalates the situation and you wind up having to go to court to resolve the debt.

Locating collection agencies' phone numbers is fairly simple. A contact number is typically included in any correspondence mailed to your residence. You can also locate a contact number by searching for the debt collection agency online. To ensure you are prepared for a phone conversation with a debt collector, take the following steps before making the call:

1. Know Your Rights and Legal Protections Under the FDCPA

The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets forth specific limits and restrictions on what debt collectors can do and cannot do. For example, the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using obscene language or threatening you with violence if you do not agree to pay the debt. The FDCPA also sets limits on when and where a debt collector can contact you, along with restricting debt collectors from communicating with third parties about your debt. It is also important to research the relevant laws in your state concerning protections for consumers against harassing phone calls and other inappropriate forms of communications by debt collectors.

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2. Ask the Debt Collector About the Age of the Debt

During the call, you should make sure to ask the debt collector about the age of the debt. Why? If the debt being pursued is several years old, the applicable statute of limitations may have expired.

Generally, the statute of limitation commences when an individual last made a payment. However, the limitations period can also commence on the date you last used the account, made a promise to pay, entered a payment agreement, or even acknowledged liability for the debt.

The actual date depends on the type of debt and the state law where you live or the state specified in your credit agreement.

3. Take Notes During the Call With the Debt Collector

During the call, the debt collector will likely be taking notes. This is why you should too. Taking notes will be extremely beneficial if you wind up being sued by the debt collection agency and need to defend yourself in court. While taking note, here is some basic information you should make sure to write down:

Date and time of the phone call;
Name of the collector you spoke to;
Name and address of collection agency;
The amount you allegedly owe;
Name of the original creditor; and
Everything that was discussed in the phone call.

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4. Never Make a "Good Faith" Payment on a Debt

It is fairly common for a debt collector to ask for you to voluntarily make a small payment as an act of “good faith.” You might think that making this good faith payment will prevent the collector from suing you or help your credit. This is not the case. The only thing a small “good faith” payment will do is extend the statute of limitations for the debt owed. Why? Because in most states, the statute of limitations is reset to the day you made the last payment. Every new payment, no matter how small, could restart the limitations period.

Locating collection agencies' phone numbers is fairly straightforward. A contact number is generally included in any correspondence sent by a debt collection agency. You can locate a contact number by searching for the debt collection agency online. When you speak to the debt collector, make sure to take notes and do not agree to make any type of “good faith” payment toward the debt. You should also ask the debt collector to provide basic information about the purported debt, such as the name of the original creditor, the amount owed, the age of the debt, etc.

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