If you receive a call at your Connecticut residence from a debt collection firm, it’s generally a good idea to listen to what that company has to say. Even if you don’t owe anybody money, ignoring collection calls will most likely lead to more calls, letters or other attempts to contact you. In some cases, collection agencies might file lawsuits in an effort to obtain a balance that is past due.
What to know about interacting with debt collectors
While you may be nervous about speaking with a debt collection firm, there are many safeguards in place to protect your rights. For instance, anyone seeking to collect an overdue balance must validate the debt in writing if asked to do so. Furthermore, those who engage in collection activities may only do so between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Agencies have several years to collect a past-due balance
Connecticut state law allows debt collection entities up to four years to collect a past-due auto loan debt. These entities have up to six years to collect a past-due medical or credit card balance. It’s important to note that making partial payments on a consumer debt typically restarts the collection clock.
Getting the help you need
It can be easy to feel intimidated when getting calls and messages from collection agencies. However, consumers have a lot of options for finding debt relief. If debt collector calls are starting to feel overwhelming, you may want to talk to a knowledgeable debt relief attorney. Getting quality counsel can help you resolve any debt discrepancies and put a stop to collection calls.
