Tips for Consumers on How to Handle Dealing with a Collection Agency

Almost everyone has trouble paying a bill every now and again. If a bill is left unpaid for too long it is very likely that the bill will be sent to a collection agency. Most of the time this would be no problem for most consumers as most collection agencies are professional and courteous. However many individuals find that their experience with bills collectors is not nice at all as some collection agencies can be downright threatening and rather frightening to deal with. Here are some tips to make dealing with a collection agency go as smoothly as possible.

First of all if you have the money to pay the bill the collection agency is looking to settle by all means pay it. This would be the best solution and the only contact you will have with the collection agency would be limit to probably just the first initial phone call. If you do not have all the money to pay your bill try to negotiate a payment plan with the collection agency that you can afford and will be able to stick with. Once a payment plan is in place contact with the collection agency should be limited unless of course you do not stick to the agreed upon payment schedule.

If a collection agency is calling you at home or at your place of employment and they become harassing in any way you can request that they cease all contact by phone. You can do this simply by sending them a letter requesting the elimination of all telephone contact and that any further communication be done through letters. When sending anything to collection agencies make sure to send your letter certified with some type of signature confirmation required. This makes it impossible for the collection agency to claim that any information sent from you was not received.

You can also request that you are to be the only person contacted. Once a collector has made contact with you there is no need to contact friends, relatives or employers.

If you have already paid the bill that the collection agency is trying to settle or have any reason to believe that something is wrong do not be afraid to ask questions or dispute anything.

Another excellent idea would be to start a folder concerning the overdue bill once a collection agency makes contact. Keep receipts of all payments made to the collection agency and copies of all correspondence going to and from the collection agency.

These are just a few great tips about how to deal with collection agencies. Knowing your rights and being well read on collection practices with help dealing with a collection agency go as smoothly as possible.