|
You are a resident of Sackville, Nova Scotia and have begun to fall behind on monthly payments. Now, collection agencies are constantly harassing you and you have no idea what to do!
The most important thing is not to panic. Those you owe money to have the right to pursue you for payment, and if they never contact you they‘ll never understand your situation.
Many collection agents receive commission for each dollar they collect, so it is not surprising that they can sometimes be aggressive.
Luckily, there are some rules that they are obligated to follow:
You must be informed in writing when a company gives your overdue account to a collection agency for collection. You are responsible for making sure that your creditors are notified when your address changes so that you will receive necessary notices.
Collection agencies cannot make phone calls frequently enough that they could be considered harassment. If you feel as though you are being harassed, keep accurate records of the time, date, and frequency of calls. This information will be needed if you ever decide to file a formal complaint.
Collection agencies are not allowed to call on Sundays, Statutory Holidays, or any day before 7am and after 9pm.
Collection agencies are not allowed to contact your relatives, neighbours, or employer for any information other than your address or telephone number. The only time a collection agency can contact these people is if they are a co-signor for your debt.
How do I know what to say when the collection agencies call me?
Knowing what to say to collection agencies is a common concern. The best thing you can do is approach the situation in a professional and polite manner. Remember to treat them the way you would want to be treated. Do not allow yourself to be bullied into making promises you cannot keep. Never ignore collection agency phone calls or letters. If they have trouble contacting you, they may proceed with legal action.
Are there ways to make collection agencies stop calling?
To make them stop calling, you will need to be proactive and deal with the issue at hand. We highly recommend contacting one of our licensed bankruptcy trustees in Sackville, Nova Scotia. We will give you an initial consultation free of charge, and will help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
|