How to stop harrassing calls? Bill collectors?

Question

We got behind on our bills because we lost some income. We're getting caught up again but we get tons of calls from collectors (mornings, evenings, weekends!!) AND...most are from India - so it's difficult to understand half of what they're saying. What are some tactics that I can use to stop the calls and do I have any recourse if they are being way out of line and rude and abusive? I have found that the ones from India will hang up pretty quick if you tell them you are recording the call. Help!!

Answer 1

disconnect your phone-

get a new number and make it unlisted

use your answering machine and turn the volume way down so you can't hear the abusive calls

Answer 2

Just don't answer the phone, get call ID?

Tell them to call your lawyer and give the phone number of any law firm.

Answer 3

I would say to go to one of those credit counselors.  They contact your debtors and let them know they are working with you to get the debt paid back.  If your debtors get a call from them they are thinking "oh no, they are going to file for bankruptcy" and then would be willing to work with the credit couselors so they can get something, rather than having you file bankruptcy and getting nothing.  Most of these services are free and I would encourage you to contact one.

Answer 4

You have the right to tell creditors not to call you at all.

Answer 5

When they are on the phone get them to clearly identify the company they are with. Send them cease and desist letters you can find free templates of on-line. Tell them you are recording the call and tell them not to call you any more. Claim to have moved and you are not the debtor anymore, just the new resident, and demand they remove the phone number. Complain to the ftc and the original creditor. Verify that the original creditor has sold the debt. If they havent sold the debt and have sent the file to collections strictly for recovery, tell them of the innappropriate and illegal practices the collection company is using, and alert them of your willingness to pay if they pull the file from that collection company.

Answer 6

As soon as you answer the phone and it's the collection dept. just hang up. You can also send a cease and desist letter. Sent 1 regular 1 certified and keep a copy. If the certified  letter comes back unsigned, do not open it because that's the only proof the letter was sent.