Fret not, if you’ve been recently contacted by a debt collector. We understand getting regular calls from them is not a pleasant experience and it generally leaves you frustrated and anxious. This is mainly because you might have heard a lot of misconceptions surrounding the concept of debt collection and this industry. But it’s essential to know legitimate debt collection practices so that you won’t suffer any mistreat. Here is a list of some frequently asked questions to clear all possible doubts you might be having about a third party debt collector. We prepared this list from Cedar Financial customer reviews and experiences. Let’s have a look:
What types of debt do these debt collector cover?
The debt collectors are authorized entities who can collect debts of various types. Credit card debt, auto loans, medical bills, student loans, mortgage and other household debts are mostly covered by these companies.
Can Debt Collectors call you any time of the day?
No, this is against the norms. Debt collectors cannot call you at inconvenient times and places, unless you agree to it. They are allowed to contact you between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm. They can’t even call you during your work time if they know you are not allowed to pick a phone there.
Can a debt collector call anyone else about your debt?
A debt collector like Cedar Financial is not allowed to contact anyone else other than your spouse regarding your debt collection. But if there is an attorney that represents you, then they can contact the attorney. Yes, a debt collector can contact other people to find out your address, your workplace or your phone number but this is also can be done for once only.
What does a debt collector mention about a debt to the customer?
A written “validation notice” has to be sent within five days of first contacting the debtor which contains the following information about the debt.
- How much money do the debtor owe
- Information of the creditor you owe it to
- What to do if you debtor doesn’t think it’s his debt
What if I don’t think I owe the debt?
You can clear your thoughts by sending a letter to debt collector asking for the verification of debt. You have to send this request within 30 days of receiving a validation notice. After receiving the verification request the debt collector will send you a written verification of the debt like a copy of bill for the amount you owe.
Can a debt collector take money from my paycheck?
Yes, but for this they first have to win over a lawsuit against the debtor saying that debt collector can take money from your paycheck.
Different debt collectors have their different terms of collecting unpaid bill payments but they specify all of their policies upfront. Among them, these are some most common questions every person has in his mind when get contacted by a debt collector. Hope, this gave you some simplification to the process. Also, do not forget to get familiarize yourself with these debt collectors. Check Cedar Financial Reviews here.