Problems with Bill Collector

[Irene L]

I am having problems with bill collector, who calls about 50 times a day. I got laid off in January and having trouble paying one particular bill. I get umteenth phone calls every day, and I have talked to one guy, but he was rude to me and hung up on me. I am scared they will take me to court. Now, I am thinking of filing for bankruptcy, but don't think I owe that much to do it. What can I do?

[blooming chamomile]

I'm not a financial expert, but most places should be willing to work with you if they know your situation. They should be able to reduce or defer your payments for a period of time. Talk to someone else and see if they can set something up for you.Make as much of a payment as you can afford. Even if it's not the full amount due. Pay a little less on some other bills in order to make a partial payment to them. Discontinue everything that isn't necessary (like cell phone, cable, Internet service if you have them) and use the money you saved to pay toward this bill.

Do you have any credit available on credit cards that you could use to make a payment? This can get you in trouble in the long run, it's a short term solution.If it's a car payment, sell the car, buy a cheaper one and use the profit to pay at least some of the bill. Good luck.

[Tami]

Sorry to hear that you were laid off, however you can use this incident as an opportunity to take charge of your life and make it what you want it to be. As for the rude collector, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs his actions. You have rights under The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). For one, you do not have to accept harassing phone calls. When they call again, tell them to stop contacting you and that you want an address to send a letter stating your request. Then, if you are able, call them later to see if you can either work out a payment plan or settle the account for an agreed amount [if reached get it in writing]. Note that if you settle your account it will reduce your credit score. Also, if you have access to an attorney, ask for help.

[gelaburke]

Advise the collector that you will contact them shortly, and that you will not accept further phone calls until that time. I don't believe it's legal for creditors to harass you, so if it continues you may consider contacting an attorney (though i realize you probably have no way to pay an attorney in the short term).In the meantime, I would suggest doing anything you can to get a paycheck. Even if it's just a temp job flipping burgers, it can get you through the hardest part until you get back into a better job again.