Debtors Calling at Work

Efforts to collect debts by creditors are often relentless.  The horror stories about the various Tactics and methods used by debt collection agencies for the purposes of collecting a debt are countless.  Those that have been subjected to these calls know that they can be both embarrassing and often times almost unavoidable. 

The FDCPA or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal agency that governs the practices of debt collectors.  There are basic rules and regulations that guide their practice however these do not often prevent collectors from pushing the boundaries of these laws to get their money.  It is legal for them to call people at work for the purposes of collecting an outstanding debt.  There are also ways to get this to stop.  Knowing the guidelines and your rights is the best defense when dealing with debt collectors.

If you are receiving calls from debtors at your place of employment there are some things you can do to put a stop to this.  

• When you receive the first call from a debt collector you should first request that they give you some verification that the debt they are referring to is yours.  They will need to provide proof of this to you.  If they cannot do so request that they stop calling you immediately. 
• Even if the debt is yours and the collector can verify that via phone you can still ask them to stop calling.  Verbally request that they stop calling you at your work number. 
• Write down the time and date that you made this request. If possible get the name of the person that you spoke to and the number that they called from.  Debt collectors are prohibited from talking with anyone other than you about your debt. Additionally they are not allowed to make harassing or repeated attempts at contacting you. 
• If the calls still continue they are in violation with the FDCPA regulations.  You can request that they communicate with you only in writing and again verbally request that the calls stop. 
• If the calls do continue you may choose to send a formal letter in writing.  This is sometimes called a cease and desist letter. This formality will provide you with necessary documentation in writing should you need to obtain an attorney. 

It is not a bad idea if the calls do not stop after the first request, to notify your supervisor that you have received a call from a debt collector and that you have requested that this be stopped.  Notifying your supervisor will avoid issues at work should the debt collectors not stop after the first time.   

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