Tag Archives: Personal Finance

Reference the debt using the identification they provided in the collection letter, such as collector account number, creditor account number, creditor name, etc. Clearly state that you dispute the collection and that according to the FDCPA you demand that the collector provide proof that they own the debt and have the right to collect, as well as proof of the amount owed by providing a copy of your signed credit agreement with the original creditor and a complete accounting of amount in question. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself contact a reputable credit repair company. Most legitimate credit repair businesses offer debt validation as part of their arsenal and will be happy to do this for you. . And if the debt collector knows that you understand your rights – and aren’t afraid to defend them in a court of law – he or she will more likely to abide by the laws that govern debt collection agencies. The Letter of the Law – The correct way to respond to a collection letter is with a written request for debt validation. This is your right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and if done in a timely and correct manner can produce fantastic results. Validation of debts 15 USC 1692g (b) “If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector. . But nothing ever really happens with many debts — the original lender already wrote it off and the collection agencies buy the debts for so little that they can just pursue the easiest, least informed borrowers. The second action that debtors may take is to request that the collection agency validate the debt. Federal laws provide that collection agencies must prove that they own a debt before they are able to collect on it. When borrowers do not request validation, the complany collecting the debt will assume that it is valid. . Keep the record. Keep all your communication records with the creditors safely. Not confident enough when you talk to your creditors Not sure if they are willing to accept your ways of debt settlement What are the things that you can do to convince them in order to accept your offer – Presentable debt settlement letter – Letter plays an important role in the communication between you and your creditors. From the letter, the debt collectors can know why you are unable to repay your debts, your financial difficulty and how you can repay the debts. . Continue reading →