Legal And Illegal Tactics A Collection Agency Will Use: Debt Collection Basics Part Three

In the first two articles I wrote about what a collections account was, how sending delinquent accounts out to an agency profits a creditor, and the act of a third party collection agency buying old debt from a creditor.

How Long Will A Negative Mark Remain On Your Credit Score? Part One

Your credit score. It could be a dream come true or your worst nightmare. But most of the time it is sort of like that rude mother in law coming to pay you a visit at your house. You are aware that she is coming to stay, and you are not looking forward to it, but you are too nervous to ask or even consider how long she might be paying you that visit. OK, so that analogy wasn’t that great. But anyway, read on to see just how long negative marks will stay on your credit history.

When You Owe Too Much Debt And Just Can’t Pay

Debt can be an exhausting problem that weighs you down and affects your personal life greatly. But what if you have exhausted all of your resources and still can’t free up enough money to start repaying your debts in a big way? You still have choices. Perhaps it is time to think about the big things in your life- private schools, your home, and your cars. Are these things truly necessary? Another choice you have is to go through your home and your things and determine there is anything of value to sell. You can go after more money at your current job, or by taking on a second one. And there are still other options yet. Credit counseling and bankruptcy are always available, but you are not there yet, so for now, take a deep breath and determine what you can accomplish on your own.

How Does A Collection Agency Get Paid

One of the major benefits to working with a collection agency is that you only pay a fee if they successfully collect on the file you give them. This means if they can’t collect your money, you don’t pay a dime. Debt collection agents operate on a commission, usually collecting about one third of the commission.

What To Search For When Looking To Hire A Collection Agency

When scouting for a Business Collection agency, it is critical for businesses to find a collection agency that services their specific needs. Some corporation’s may rely on collection agencies more than others. For example, a freelance graphic designer may only need to use a Collection agency’s services once during his or her entire career. However, a larger company, such as a credit card company, may require the services of a Collection agency more repeatedly.

How To Get Out Of Debt

Debt elimination involves three steps:

Zombie Debt: The Bills That Won’t Die

Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, so does so-called zombie debt. A consumer may think it’s dead, but it keeps coming back to haunt.

Statute Of Limitations On Debt Collection

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection is the amount of time that lenders have to collect their debts by suing you in court and by other legal methods. Once the statute of limitations period is over, the lenders cannot sue you in court. However, the debt that you owe STILL REMAINS. Do not think that once the statute of limitations period is over, your debt will disappear. It will not! Lenders can collect their debts owed via other legal methods like a debt collection company.

Unlawful Debt Collection Practices

The government is stepping up to bat as debt collection hoaxes rise. In recent news, Buffalo New York has been home to a number of illegal debt collection practices, and authorities have arrested at least twelve people. Although the vast majority of collection agencies are legitimate and good economically, there has been a rising amount of deceptive and unlawful practices.

Fake IRS Email Scam On The Rise

Tax season has arrived and so have the cyber crooks. IRS scams are circulating, the latest one involving an official looking email from the IRS that states that you can get your tax refund on a Visa or a Mastercard. It asks for your credit card number, your social security number, credit card expiration dates, card verification value numbers, amount shown on your tax return, filing status and other personal information.

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