When events happen that keep you from paying your bills, it is important that you promptly contact your creditors. In many cases, if you contact creditors directly, they may be willing to reschedule payments or make other considerations to help you repay the debt.

If a debt goes unpaid for an extended period of time, creditors may turn your account to a collection department or agency. While most collection professionals do not utilize threatening and intimidating collection techniques, it is important that you know your rights as a consumer when dealing with collectors.

While debt collectors do have the right to demand payment, and eventually take legal action if necessary, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits any kind of harassment. Third party debt collectors (such as collection agencies) cannot phone your home repeatedly, or call before 8 a.m., or after 9 p.m. without permission. They can contact your friends, coworkers, or neighbors, but only to inquire about your whereabouts. Obscene language or threats of violence are absolutely forbidden, and a collector is not allowed to threaten you with false statements.

You can request that a collector not call you on your job. If the debt is being collected by a collection agency or other third party, you can send a letter using registered mail to the credit collection agency asking them to stop calling you. By law, they must comply.

If you have delinquent accounts, CCCS can help you structure a budget and establish a repayment schedule with your creditors. For more information, please call 1-800-873-2227.