How to Protect Yourself from Illegitimate Debts, Already Settled Through a Debt Relief Program |
Posted: March 5, 2015 |
What happens if you have managed to settle an old debt through a debt relief program but you are still receiving phone calls and mail about your old debt? Unfortunately, a debt collection company may have acquired an old debt whose partially forgiven amount you may have settled through a debt relief. Regrettably, debt collection is becoming a very profitable business, and this includes old debts that are legitimately and legally still owed as well as debts that you are not responsible for. If you know that you have settled a debt, as agreed in a debt relief program, but you still face harassment and badgering about it, you need to make sure that no one violates your legal rights. You then come up with a course of action before you can give a response to whoever may be calling you about such a debt. Below is an outline of what your course of action should be.
If you are not sure if the debt is legitimate, do not acknowledge whether it is true or not. Instead, politely decline to answer any questions and ask for time to find out what the matter is all about. You should not acknowledge that the debt is yours and under no circumstance agree to make any payments. If you do so, the debt collection company will get the legal right to demand that you pay the debt.
The debt collection company might try to trick you into doing the following:
It is your right to demand that the debt collector furnish proof of such a debt. You should decline to answer any questions until it can show you in writing that you signed off to such a debt. The debt collection company will have no right to take any action until you acknowledge the debt.
Different states have different laws regarding payments of debt. To be on the safe side, find out what your states rules are.
Once you have verified your legal standing, write a letter to the collection company to make it clear that you do not accept responsibility for the debt, giving reasons to clarify the matter. You could attach any evidence that you have.
Keep a close eye on your credit report to make sure there are no tricks played. It can be very unfortunate if a debt relief company sells off your forgiven debt to a third party. Unfortunately, it does happen. You need to be able to protect yourself by choosing a reputable and positively reviewed debt relief company in order to avoid such problems. If you need to get into contact with one of the best debt relief companies, visit our site for debt relief programs.
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