Know Your Rights When Debt Collectors Call

Whether it's credit card debt, unexpected medical expenses or maybe even long overdue utility bills, it's no fun dealing with debt collectors. It may be helpful to learn you have rights that could make the process of paying up a little easier.

Larry Rosebure with Christian Credit Counseling in Tulsa says most collectors follow the right guidelines, but some get into grey areas.

"And there are some who get right up to the line and like to lean over," said Larry Rosebure.

That's when knowing what's in the Federal Trade Commission's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act can help. Debt collectors have many restrictions.

They can't harass you with repeated calls, or call before eight in the morning or nine at night, unless you agree.

"They're not allowed to call you in ridiculous hours, they're not allowed to call you at work if,of course, you tell them that that jeopardizes your employment," Rosebure said.

Collectors can't talk to anyone else about your debt or use abusive language. They also can't falsely claim to be an attorney, in law enforcement, or represent a credit bureau.

"For the most part collectors will understand that if you're conversant in the law, they'll back off," said Christian Credit Counseling's Larry Rosebure.

Financial expert Chris Hogan has advised thousands of people on how to handle collection calls.

"I tell people, don't ever make a promise to pay that you know you won't be able to keep.  You're not communicating with a collector to try to get them to like your predicament, because they don't like it.  You don't like your predicament either," Hogan said.

Experts say it's also good to keep the conversation short.

"There's absolutely nothing to be gained from a protracted conversation or argument with a collector," Rosebure said.

It's also good to keep records of phone calls and copies of any letters you get from them.  And if you don't think you're being treated fairly, contact the State Attorney General's office.  There are also even some law firms that specialize in dealing with aggressive creditors.