| When you are dealing with collection agencies the | | | | a period of time. |
| first thing to understand is that not all of them are | | | | No matter what agency is calling you, you can ask |
| like the ones you see in the debt counseling | | | | them to call you when it's more convenient for you. |
| commercials. Some are respectful of your rights | | | | For example, if you work the midnight shift and don't |
| under the law. Others however are the polar | | | | want calls early in the day. This request is within your |
| opposite and they will use illegal tactics to get you to | | | | legal rights. It's also better for the collector to keep |
| pay. Basically, these tactics are the use of threats | | | | you more willing to cooperate. |
| and harassment. | | | | The bad collector from your viewpoint is one that |
| A good collector from your viewpoint is one that | | | | demands immediate payment in full and isn't willing to |
| asks if you have the means to pay your debt in a | | | | work with you. He will tell you he is going to call you |
| nice manner. This collector will go over a list of | | | | until you pay no matter how many calls it takes. This |
| options to see if you have any of these means at | | | | collector may scream at you and curse you. He may |
| your disposal. This collector will try to work with you, | | | | be argumentative with your family members hen |
| allowing you to pay an amount each month that you | | | | they answer the phone. |
| can afford and will not report you to the credit | | | | This collector may be setting you up to play good |
| bureaus. After you've paid the bill down some, this | | | | cop and bad cop. If so, after a few calls, his manager |
| collector may offer you a settlement. | | | | will call you and sympathize with you concerning the |
| Usually, from the collection agencies point-of-view this | | | | way the collector treated you. He will also call and |
| collector isn't performing up to the standard it wants | | | | hang up and make threats. |
| and your case may be turned over to a more | | | | They may want to keep your credit card on file for |
| aggressive collector. The more aggressive collector | | | | a payment each month or a record of your bank |
| will try to squeeze all he can from you. But as long as | | | | account. But a good collector will call you and ask for |
| you pay the agreed upon amount on time every | | | | the payment and see if you still want to pay by |
| month, you're within legal bounds. | | | | credit card or online check. |
| In the case of credit card debt, your account can go | | | | If you want to pay with money order or check by |
| from one collection agency to another as they sell | | | | mail, then a good collector will give you the address |
| off what they consider uncollectible debt. So you | | | | so you can make your payments this way. |
| may find yourself dealing with different agencies over | | | | |