Payments Late? Don’t Let Your Bank Harass You!
If you've fallen behind on your mortgage payment the bank is hounding you, don't panic! You may have several good options available to you by simply learning the truth about the top 13 debt and credit myths. These truths can be powerful tips and tools for dealing with collectors who use illegal and unethical debt collection tactics. Regain financial control and peace of mind by knowing the truth!
A debt collector MAY NOT (despite what they say):
1. Contact a third party about your debt for any purpose other than to locate you.
2. Communicate or attempt to communicate with you at inconvenient times or places.
3. Contact you at work after being told not to.
4. Communicate with you after receiving a letter from you (a) with a request they cease and desist all contacts or (b) that you refuse to pay the debt.
5. Engage in harassing, oppressive or abusive conduct.
6. Use or threaten violence or other criminal means, or use obscene or profane language.
7. Cause your telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously.
8. Use false, deceptive, or misleading representations or methods, including but not limited to (a) falsely representing it is affiliated with the United States or any State; (b) falsely representing the character, amount, or legal status of the debt; (c) falsely representing or implying that nonpayment would result in arrest or imprisonment or the seizure, garnishment, attachment, or sale of property or wages; (d) threatening to take an action against that cannot be legally taken or that was not actually intended to be taken; (e) falsely representing or implying that you committed a crime; or (f) communicating or threatening to communicate false or likely false credit information.
9. Continue to contact you after receiving your cease and desist letter or request a validation letter.
ALSO, a debt collector MUST (despite what they say):
1. Notify you in the initial communication it is "an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained would be used for that purpose."
2. Notify you during each collection contact the communication was from a debt collector.
3. Disclose the caller’s individual identity in every telephone call to you.
Reference: Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – Federal Law
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