Collection Agencies (Part II)

Collection Agencies (Part II)

What to do if they contact you

Can they take my paycheck or property?

Usually they cannot take your wages or property unless they sue you and win.

Some debts don’t require a judgment for collection, such as student loans and child support payments. If a collection agency is threatening to take your paycheck or property, call us for help.

Things collection agencies cannot do

By law, collection agencies cannot:

· Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

· Repeatedly call to harass you.

· Use foul language when talking to you.

· Threaten to sue you if they don’t intend to do it.

· Tell you they are an attorney, a police officer, or someone else they are not.

· Threaten to have you arrested, put you in jail, or physically harm you.

Young Lee

213.675.9300

Go With the Leaders!

chicagotitleman@gmail.com

Collection Agencies (Part I)

Collection Agencies (Part I)

What to do if they contact you

Handling Collection Agencies

The first rule of handling collection agencies is: Don’t ignore them!

You have rights under the law, but you have to respond immediately to protect yourself.

Contact the collection agency right away to find out what the problem is. You may not owe the money:

· If you were billed for goods or services you never received.
· If you already paid the amount they want to collect.
· If you returned the things you bought because they were defective, or
· If you are a victim of fraud.

If you don’t owe the money, explain why, and send them a letter with copies of supporting documents, such as receipts, notices of cancellation, or police reports.

If you believe you don’t owe the money, don’t promise to pay them.

What if I cannot afford to pay?

Depending on your situation, you may have a number of options:

· Work directly with the collection agency to pay the debt. Sometimes the collection agency will let you make payments or will accept a lower amount.
· Call our Dispute Settlement Service at 213-974-0825, for free help to negotiate with the collection agency.
· If it’s an old debt, call us for help, or get legal advice. Sometimes you don’t have to pay even a valid debt.
· Tell the collection agency you’re not paying. Keep in mind that they may damage your credit rating and sue you if you refuse to pay a debt you owe.

Young Lee
213.675.9300
ChicagoTitleMan@Gmail.com

The Ma Team