Debt Collection Calls
Filed Under Debt Management
When you have debts that are spiralling out of control, you will be all too familiar with debt collection calls. For many people, an overwhelming sense of dread comes over them when the phone rings if they believe the person calling is a debt collector. This is no way to live. Essentially, you have two ways to approach this problem. First, you can ignore it and hope it goes away or second, you can address it head on and try to regain control over the situation. Of course, Debt Fix recommends the latter approach, but believe it or not most people tend to bury their head in the sand and hope the debt problem will go away or sort itself out. Of course the debt problem doesn’t go away and will not resolve itself.
The best approach to deal with this debt problem is to meet it head on. When a debt collector contacts you, they need to know 2 things:
- When are you going to pay?
- How much are you going to pay?
For the person in debt, the reason for not being able to pay the bill is the most important thing however its fair to say that some debt collectors are apathetic. From their point of view they’ve heard every story imaginable from there being a death in the family, a car accident, sudden unemployment etc. This being the case it’s easy to see how a debt collector can become desensitised and/or sceptical.
When you receive a call from a debt collector, be prepared and stay calm. Never promise to pay an amount of money that you can’t afford. If you make a promise you can’t keep (just to get them off the phone), you will run the risk of the matter escalating.
Being prepared also means you should know your rights. There are laws to protect people from being intimidated or threatened by debt collectors. Also debt collectors have designated times to call and limitations on how often they can call you. Debt Fix has previously written articles about these laws in addition to some great Government websites detailing debt collection practices and consumer rights. One website in particular that has a wealth of information is www.fido.gov.au.
Debt collectors can often be abrupt and rude and it’s easy to understand how the relationship can break down. Despite this, it’s important to try to keep the relationship as positive as possible. If this is impossible, and the relationship breaks down, it may be necessary to seek the help of a Debt Management company like Debt Fix to act on your behalf. Debt Fix specialises in bridging the gap between people with unmanageable debts and their creditors.
Debt Fix is a company committed to helping people resolve their debt crisis. Contact Debt Fix today on 1300 332 834 or www.debtfix.com.au and you will be on your way to being debt free.
About the Author:
Nicholas Bregozzo is a personal debt management specialist and has advised people who have personal debt problems since 2000. During this period he has helped 1000s of people manage their debts and avoid Bankruptcy. Currently he works for Debt Fix with the objective of providing clear impartial advice and solutions for people in serious debt.