If you are buried in debt and find yourself fending off debt collectors who harass you around the clock, you are probably tempted to ignore the calls and not pick up the phone. Debt collectors can be nasty and threatening even though you are legally protected from any threads, but if a debtor catches you off guard, it may be difficult to enforce these laws. Avoiding debt collectors, however, will not help you in the long run and may hurt you. There are ways to learn how deal with the dreaded debt collector’s call.

Do not take it personally

When debt collectors go to extremes to collect the money you owe them, they will use any tactic to get paid. They are doing their job, although admittedly a very nasty job. They will find ways to embarrass and even hurt you emotionally. Unfortunately this has been proven to be an effective tactic for them as most people will cave in under such pressure. Learn to keep calm and not take the bait. Do not take their insults personally by insulting them back. Instead, responding in kindness will throw them off.

Do not play tough

Do not threaten collectors with wanting to talk to the supervisor. The truth is that the supervisor will not be on your side since non-paying customers are not always right. You really do not have much leverage and it is better to try to have a productive conversation with the collector who called.

Negotiate

When a collector calls, do not feel intimidated or threatened. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to explain your situation and negotiate a deal. Debt collectors are often amenable to negotiate a settlement deal since getting paid something is still better than losing everything which would be the case in a bankruptcy.

Get it in writing

If you are able to negotiate a deal, be sure to get it in writing. Collectors can be tricky and garnish your wages despite your deal, so it is paramount to have everything in writing. If you do not receive a letter from them, call them to follow up. Reiterate the agreement you have negotiated and enforce that they will hand it to you in writing.

Do not forget that you have rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a government agency that protects consumers from abuse and illegal methods of debt collection.