Under the FDCPA, you can tell a debt collector to stop contacting you; but it’s not always a good idea. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to force a debt collector to stop communicating with you.

How do you know if a call from a debt collector is real?

Here are six telltale signs that you’re dealing with a credit collection services scam:

1. They pressure you.
2. They won’t give you their contact information.
3. The debt isn’t yours.
4. You didn’t receive a letter in the mail.
5. You’re asked to pay by prepaid card or money transfer.

What do you need to know about a collection agency?

What is a collection agency? A collection agency, or debt collector as they are also known, is a company that pursues debts on behalf of creditors. These agencies employ a number of methods to get you to pay your debts including collection calls and letters. And in some instances, lawsuits that may lead to asset seizure or wage garnishments.

What to do if you get contacted by a debt collection agency?

As soon as a collection agency begins contacting you about a debt, verify the debt before you take any other actions. If you believe the debt is for a different amount, or if you believe you do not owe the debt at all, the process of debt collection arbitration can help you clear the air.

When does a collection agency report to the credit bureaus?

There is no grace period before a collection account becomes eligible for reporting. The agency can continue to report to credit bureaus about your delinquent debt for 7 years plus 180 days from the point the account was placed in collections. Q: Can a Collection Agency Report to the Credit Bureaus if You Are Making Payments?

Can a debt collector use a different company name?

If your original creditor attempts to collect a debt using a different company name, they are also subject to the provisions of the FDCPA, the same as an unrelated third-party collection agency. NEVER talk to a debt collector on the phone.