FAQs
What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors? ›
If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.
What happens if you never answer a debt collector? ›If you receive a notice from a debt collector, it's important to respond as soon as possible—even if you do not owe the debt—because otherwise the collector may continue trying to collect the debt, report negative information to credit reporting companies, and even sue you.
What happens when a collector does not answer a debt validation letter? ›What Happens If the Collector Doesn't Verify the Debt? If a debt collector fails to verify the debt but continues to go after you for payment, you can sue that debt collector in federal or state court. You might be able to get $1,000 per lawsuit, plus actual damages, attorneys' fees, and court costs.
How to outsmart a debt collector? ›- Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors.
- Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt.
- Write a cease and desist letter.
- Explain the debt is not legitimate.
- Review your credit reports.
- Explain that you cannot afford to pay.
Debt collectors lose the right in many states to sue consumers after three or more years. But there's a loophole: If the consumer makes a payment, even against his or her own will, that can be used to try to revive the life of the debt.
How to get rid of debt collectors without paying? ›You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA. If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney's fees and might also have to pay you damages. If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.
What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›Even if you owe money, debt collectors aren't allowed to threaten, harass, or publicly shame you. You have the right to order a debt collector to stop contacting you, and they must comply. If there's a mistake, and you really don't owe the debt, you can take steps to remedy the error.
Why should you never pay a debt collector? ›Paying an old collection debt can actually lower your credit score temporarily. That's because it re-ages the account, making it more recent again. This can hurt more than help in the short term. Even after it's paid, the negative status of “paid collection” will continue damaging your score for years.
How long before a debt is uncollectible? ›Don't provide personal or sensitive financial information
Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information – such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number – unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.
What is a drop dead letter? ›
Send a 'drop dead' letter
You have the right to ask them to stop contacting you. To do so, you can send what's sometimes referred to as a “drop dead letter” — a written notice to the debt collector informing them you want no further contact.
- The debt collection agency owns your debt and has the legal right to sue.
- You owe the debt.
- The amount they claim you owe is accurate.
- Don't Wait for Them to Call. Consider picking up the phone and calling the debt collector yourself. ...
- Check Them Out. ...
- Dump it Back in Their Lap. ...
- Stick to Business. ...
- Show Them the Money. ...
- Ask to Speak to a Supervisor. ...
- Call Their Bluff. ...
- Tell Them to Take a Hike.
Ignoring Debt Collectors Can Lead to a Debt Collection Lawsuit. Worst-case scenario: They can file a lawsuit against you. Debt buyers may also sue you. Once a creditor or debt collection agency files a lawsuit, it's even riskier to continue ignoring it.
Should I pay the original creditor instead of collection? ›Generally, paying the original creditor rather than a debt collector is better. The creditor has more discretion and flexibility in negotiating payment terms with you. And because that company might see you as a former and possibly future customer, it might be more willing to offer you a deal.
How does the 11 word credit loophole actually work? ›This is sort of where the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors came from. To exercise this right, you must send a written request to the debt collector stating that you wish to cease all communications. After receiving this request, the debt collector must stop contacting you.
What is the 609 credit repair loophole? ›Contrary to what some might think, section 609 does not require credit bureaus to provide proof of your accounts. The FCRA gives you the right to dispute information you believe to be unfair, inaccurate or unsubstantiated.
What should you not say to debt collectors? ›Don't provide personal or sensitive financial information
Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information – such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number – unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.
If you want a debt collector to stop contacting you, the FDCPA gives you the right to make that happen. Putting your request in writing, via a cease-and-desist letter, is an easy and effective option to stop the communication.