How to deal with collection agencies

The first thing you must do is educate yourself 

Here you will find many resources to educate yourself in dealing with collection agencies

Federal Law that Governs Collection Agencies

Here you will find the best weapon in dealing with collection agencies. The Fair Debt Colletion Practices Act governs what collection agencies are and are not allowed to do. The laws regarding collection agencies make it a tough job for them. The sad thing is most collectors would probably do well as salespeople or telemarketers without having to break the law. I am glad that I do not have to break the law to earn a living.

Federal Trade Commission Opinion Letters

Here are a list of "opinion letters" issued by the Federal Trade Commision. These letters are the FTC's interpretation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. These are not legally binding, however they do provide alot of insight into the FDCPA.

Individual State Laws

Here you will find information regarding your individual state laws. Sometimes your state laws have more teeth than the FDCPA. If that is the case your Sate Laws carry more weight in court. If a collection agency in South Dakota calls you in Texas they better be licensed in Texas.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act

Have an error on your credit report? Collection Agencies not reporting things properly. The FCRA has plenty of teeth if used properly it may be your second most important tool with an inline phone recorder being number one!!

State SOL Information

Find Information here on your home States Statute of Limitiations (SOL). Sometime Collection Agencies will file suits on debts that are outside of the SOL because if you dont show up they win..

Collection and Credit Repair Forums 

The Credit Info Center Forums

These guys and gals know what they are talking about. If you want to improve your credit scores or are dealing with collection agencies you will find your answers here.

CreditBoards

Creditboards.com: Learning how to maximize your credit opportunities; how to repair your credit; how to raise your FICO scores; how to deal with collectors and collection agencies; what your rights are under the FDCPA and FCRA.em

Debt Collector Arrested for Impersonation Federal Agents

Take a look at this thread at CI.com you may have to register to do so, this stuff is priceless. Collection Agents posing as Federal Agents

Need Proof that they are Breaking the Law 

"Can We Tape?"

Most collection agencies will break the law if you get on the phone with them. Federal Law gives you the right to tape a conversation without the others consent if they are breaking the law. Each State Law is different here you will find all that you need to know.

Free Credit Reports

Did you know that you are allowed a free credit report every year? Get your free credit report not some hype to get you to buy somthing. One of way a collection agency violates the law is by not placing an account that is listed on your credit file "In Dispute" after you have sent them a letter requesting validation. See my blogs for more info on this..

Resource for notifiying Government Agencies and other organiztions 

FTC Complaint Form

If you run into an abusive debt collector who you feel is breaking the law this is the first place you need to go.

Report each incident seperatly. Provide consise information. Although the FTC may not intervene directly in your situation, if they get enough complaints on a specific company they will step in!!

BBB Not alot of teeth but BBB complaint will show that you attempted to resolve your problem with a company prior to litagation

FILE A COMPLAINT:
If you think that a company or charity has treated you unfairly, file a complaint online.

Interesting Articles 

Having trouble with you bills??

How to not pay your bills - MSN money

Most stories about dealing with debt assume you have the money to pay most or all of your bills. That's not always the case. Thanks to bad planning, bad decisions, bad luck or a combination of all three, sometimes you just don't have the scratch.

SOS: Trapped in payday loans - Yahoo! News

Think twice before getting a payday loan. Is it really worth it?

Who is Calling You? Litigious Consumer: A guide for striking back when companies break the law..

An interesting site about various collection agencies and telemarketers.

Reestablishing Your Credit 

If you found this page chances are your credit need some help

Credit Cards for Bad or New Credit

A good directory of credit cards for those with less than desirable credit or just starting out. Remember that credit cards can be your best friend or worse nightmare. Proceed with caution

Auto Loans for New or Bad Credit

An intensive directory of auto lenders for people with bad or new credit. Never let the dealership finance a car for you if you have poor credit. They will make more on the financing than on the car. A difference in 1% APR on a car loan could save you thousands over the live of the loan.