Falling on hard financial times can be a stressful burden for anyone. They can spend much of their time worrying over how they will take care of their credit card debt, and their health and relationships can suffer. When debt collectors and creditors begin to call, more stress can be added to the situation, and those suffering may not know where to turn. People need to be aware of their consumer rights and what options are available to them to get out from under debt.
As Tennessee residents know, hearing the phone ring at all hours of the day can become frustrating. The shrill tones can take people away from their current activities, and when the person on the other end of the line is a debt collector, an enjoyable moment can turn sour as a person’s tough financial situation is once again brought to their attention. Debt collectors should not harass a person by use of the telephone whether that means by leaving harsh messages or by calling at all hours numerous times a day.
Collectors are not allowed to make a person feel as if they are intimidated into paying their debt by making false claims. There are instances where a person may be at risk for repossession of their property, but debt collectors are not allowed to make the threat of taking a person’s property unless that action has already been permitted by law. They are also not allowed to make a person feel belittled due to their financial situation by using profane language in attempts to coerce someone into paying their debt.
Hearing from a debt collector can be a frightening and frustrating experience for someone who may not know how to handle the situation. Credit card debt and other types of debt can accumulate quickly for anyone, and if the person is uninformed, they may not know what their next moves should be to manage their debt. By looking into Tennessee bankruptcy laws, debtors may find information helpful to them as they begin the journey of being debt free.
Source: Forbes, “Debt Collectors: How to Get Them Off Your Back,” John Wasik, July 10, 2013