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These days, having debts means also means that debt collectors will be constantly calling you. However, can debt collectors also call you even on holidays?
Sadly, no regulations are specifically put in place that considers it illegal to make calls for debt collection on holidays. However, there are still regulations that forbid debt collectors to call at inconvenient or unusual times like holidays.
Are You Safe from Debt Collection Calls on Holidays?
Although there are technically no particular prohibitions on making calls on holidays for debt collection, this might fall into the category that is not permitted by the FDCPA or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA states that debt collectors may not communicate with consumers unusual places or times or at times or places known or should have known as inconvenient to consumers.
Since most public holidays are already public knowledge, in general, you can expect that the debt collector will not contact you at such times. But it is imperative to take note that different countries, states, or localities also have different holidays and don’t acknowledge similar holidays.
There are lesser chances for debt collectors to contact you during major holidays like New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve compared to smaller holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Ash Wednesday.
How to Prevent Debt Collectors from Ruining Your Holidays
If bill collectors are calling you, and you are worried that they will contact you even on holidays, there are several steps that you can take to prevent it from happening:
As outlined by FDCPA, consumers have rights, and among these is that debt collectors should stop calling you if you already sent them a letter that requests them to do so. While you will still be obliged for the debt you owe, they should still adhere to your request and stop calling you.
You need to do it not by phone but in writing. You might want to keep a copy of the sent letter for record purposes. You might also want to send this letter via certified mail for you to know once it has been received by the debt collector.
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Come up with a payment plan.
When your financial stress is too much for you and you don’t want the debt collector to take additional action, you can try to negotiate with your creditor to work out a repayment plan. Doing so will ensure that everything will be outlined in writing.
In case your debt hasn’t been turned over to collections yet, your creditor might be willing to work things out with you. There are instances when creditors may waive fees, lower interest rates, or lower the total amount due if this means that they can still collect some of your debt.
If the debt collector continues calling you even after you sent a request for them to stop, or if you don’t even owe any debt, you might want to consider getting legal help. A lawyer can advise you about your rights and the next steps that you can take.
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