How to Deal with Rude Debt Collectors

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It's funny (as in peculiar) how some people get especially aggressive when they think they have the upper hand. In a situation in which demonstrating grace would likely move things along much faster, they stoop to insults and other aggravating behaviors instead. 

It's easy to feel vulnerable when you owe a debt. Having someone call you up and berate you for it is one of the nastiest things someone can do. And yet, that is the basic modus operandi for far too many so-called debt professionals.

But that's OK. Here's how to deal with rude debt collectors.

The Law Is on Your Side

OK, so you owe money; that doesn't give anyone the right to talk to you any kind of way. In fact, they're bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act(FDCPA) to observe certain courtesies when communicating with you. 

Chief among them is refraining from harassment.  

They are barred from calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The Act also prohibits threats of violence or sending you to jail for the debt. Moreover, they cannot legally use profane or intimidating language or call you repeatedly just to annoy you. 

This is why it's important to record every interaction you have with a debt collector. Let them know the call is being recorded and always make it point to be cordial, courteous and reasonable, even in the face of the most extreme nastiness they can muster. 

If you feel they are violating the FDCPA, report them to the Better Business Bureau, your state's attorney's general office and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The recordings will serve to support your claim. 

Handling Calls 

First and foremost, don't let them make you lose your cool. That's what they want you to do. Their goal is to get you agitated and anxious so you'll come up with the money just to make them stop calling. However, you can make them stop calling - without paying - with a cease and desist letter.

The other thing you want to avoid doing is accepting responsibility for the debt until you get proof you owe it in writing - even if you already know you owe. The debt may be outside the statute of limitations and cannot be legally collected - even though you still owe it. Admitting to owing, or agreeing to send a partial payment, restarts the clock. The collector can then take you to court and sue for a judgment against you. 

Seek Professional Help

If in fact you do owe the debt and you can't get anywhere with the collector because of their untoward attitude, consider working with a credit card debt relief firm like Freedom Debt Relief. These companies can help you reduce the outstanding principal amount you owe to your creditors and will handle the negotiations on your behalf.

Hang Up / Block Their Calls

Always remember and never forget - you are in control. You have what they want, not vice versa. Sure, they'll come on strong because they think they have the upper hand, but the bottom line is they'll get nowhere if you refuse to act. 

If they get ugly with you, continue recording them for a while, then calmly and politely say, "This really isn't getting us anywhere. I'm hanging up now." Note the date and the time of the call in writing and hold on to that information in case you need to present it in court. Then set your phone to block their future calls. If things progress to the point at which you have to take them to court, that information could win you a judgment of $1,000 plus court costs.

And ultimately, if worse comes to worst, that's how to deal with rude debt collectors.