#1 Log everything like debt collector calls, demand letters, etc. Date/time and who it is. Be vigilant.

#2 Take pictures of the CallerID (if you don’t have it get it), save and print these out and put them in a file. I keep on on each debt collector that has or is contacting me so I can keep it organized.

#3 Record all telephone conversations. If you live in  a one-party state (such as Georgia) and the debt collector is calling from a one-party consent state you don’t have to advise them that you are recording the call. An easy way to get around two-party consent state calls is once the debt collector tells you that they call is being recording, jokingly say yes I am too (do it in a humorous or off-hand way), if they don’t object you are good to go.

Save the phone calls and burn them to a disc or discs, I save them up until I file suit.

#4 When you get the initial written communication from the debt collector, send them a certified letter disputing the debt and request validation of the debt (this is most often where the debt collector will screw up, especially those that bought the debt form the original creditor or from another debt buyer that sold the account to them). They cannot continue to collect until that satisfy your request for validation. If they do then you have at least one FDCPA violation and could ultimately get a case thrown out if they choose to sue you.

#5 Publicize the debt collectors bad behavior, let other consumers and the company that you don’t have a problem telling the world what they are doing. Blog about it, post on consumer complaint forums, contact sites such as Consumerist.com, you local newspaper or other large newspaper and TV news in your area or state. Let them feel some of the same “heat” they are putting on you.

#6 If the debt collector is calling your cell phone and you answer and you hear a moment of dead silence then they are using an automated dialer and that is a violation of the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) in addition to the possibility of them violating the FDCPA

When I send a dispute/validation request I also demand they cease and desist all telephone communications. 99.9% of the time they will violate it and you have a FDCPA violation to sue them for. Send your dispute, validation, cease telephone communications letter via certified mail so you have a record that they received it.

#7 Always file a FDCPA violation complaint against the Debt Collector for each violation with the Federal Trade Commission

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LET’S SUE THE DEBT COLLECTORS !

 The Federal Fair Debt Collection  Practices Act was enacted to stop abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection  practices by debt collectors. If you have been the victim of unfair  practices of a debt collector, contact The Credit Card Defense Center. for a FREE evaluation  of your debt collection issues.

Under debt collection laws, you could very well be entitled to money damages and payment of  your attorneys’ fees, if a debt collector has violated the law.

 You have the right to stop debt collectors from harassing or abusing

 Yes, the law protects you against unfair and coercive debt collection methods. You must know how the law can protect you and help you keep him in check.

You Possibly have a Case if a Debt Collector or their Attotneys have:

Telephoned you an unreasonable number of times
Telephoned you at an unusual time/ unusual place
Disclosed information of your debts to third parties
Used profane or other abusive language
Contacted you after written notification that you do not want to be contacted any further
Claimede to be affiliated with any governmental organization
Misrepresented the character, amount or legal status of a debt
Threatened to take any action that cannot be legally taken in the first instance
Accused you having committed a crime
Threatened or communicate false credit information
Attempted to collect, until he honors your request to validate
Used deceptive methods to collect debts
Called you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
Called you, but not  refused to announce who he/she is

 IF A DEBT COLLECTOR HAS ENGAGED IN ANY OF THESE ABUSIVE, DECEPTIVE, OR UNFAIR DEBT  COLLECTION PRACTICES CONTACT US NOWFOR A FREE  EVALUATION TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECOVER MONEY DAMAGES AND THE PAYMENT  OF YOUR ATTORNEYS’ FEES!