If you’re struggling with debt, you may be receiving calls from a debt collector. These calls can be very overwhelming and emotionally draining. You may have wondered, “Can I tell them to stop calling? How do I stop bill collectors from calling my cell phone?”
Fortunately, resources and laws are in place to help you. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive debt collectors, and the law prohibits debt collectors from making harassing or threatening phone calls or using profane language. Read below to learn how to stop debt collector calls.
Your Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors
The law is very clear on what creditors can and cannot do, and knowing your rights helps you deal with debt collectors. Federal law restricts debt collectors from:
Claiming to be attorneys or government representatives
Misrepresenting the amount you owe
Using unfair practices to collect interest on top of what you owe them
Contacting you by postcard
Giving false credit information about you
Can You Request Creditors to Stop Calling?
Debt collectors should not contact you for a debt you do not owe. If they contact you regarding a debt, ask them to verify the debt first. They are not allowed to contact you if they cannot verify it.
If they can verify the debt, you may wonder, “Can I tell a debt collector to stop calling?” Yes! You can stop bill collectors from calling your cell phone and harassing you by sending a cease and desist letter telling them to stop contacting you.
Ensure you send the cease and desist letter by certified mail and pay for a return receipt so you are sure the mail arrived, and keep a receipt confirming the collector received it. Once they receive the letter, they will contact you once more via mail to let you know that they have stopped further efforts to contact you regarding the debt and will be considering other actions.
Another way to prevent creditors from calling you is by telling them you prefer to communicate with them through writing. The debt collectors will be mandated to write you letters instead, and you will be able to keep a record of everything said.
What Should You Not Do When a Debt Collector Calls?
If you have a bad credit score, you may receive more collection calls than before. Most of these calls are legitimate debt collectors trying to collect on the accounts they represent. But fraudsters may also be calling, pretending to be debt collectors. To keep you safe, this is what you should not do when a debt collector calls.
You should not give a debt collection company your financial information. This includes your
Social security number
The value of the property you own
Bank account numbers
Debt collectors may use this information to collect from you through a bank levy, wage garnishment, or property lien if the judgement is in their favor. You should only provide basic information concerning your debt.
You should not make a small payment to show “good faith” when a debt collector asks you to. This is because this only extends the statute of limitations. Remember that the clock resets to the date you last made your payment.
You should not admit the validity of your debt, as this also revives the statute of limitations. When you make a promise such as “I know I have a debt and will start paying next month,” debt collectors take it as a separate contract that renews the statute of limitations.
You should not ignore a debt collector’s call as they may be calling to let you know they have filed a lawsuit. Ignoring such a call may warrant a default judgement against you, and you may be slapped with other legal fees.
You should also control your temper when talking to a debt collector so that they may not use it in court, as it will show that you are abusive, thus hurting your chances of winning the lawsuit.
How Can a Credit Repair Company Help?
A credible credit repair company like Ascent Network has the expertise needed to identify errors such as debts that have not fallen off your credit report after the seven-year lapse. They can also identify errors in your credit report that you may miss and file a dispute with credit bureaus so they can fix the mistakes. This ultimately stops calls from debt collectors.
How Can Ascent Network Help?
Debt collectors call when you have a delinquent debt meaning that your credit score also has been impacted negatively. The Ascent Network helps repair credit and communicate with your creditors on your behalf. They let you know which options you should take to improve your credit, which debts have fallen off the statute of limitations, or whether to pay for delete.
A more positive outlook toward a more financially secure future starts today. Give the Ascent Network a call today at 1-877-871-2400. Ascent Network helps consumers all over the United States and is available locally in Huntington Beach, CA, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Thousand Palms.
A debt collection company is a company or agency that collects payments on outstanding debts. Debt collectors work for creditors, such as banks, credit card companies, and retailers. They may also be buyers who purchase debt at a fraction of its face value with the intent of recovering the entire debt owed.
If you have defaulted on your payments or any outstanding debt, you may have received regular phone calls and letters from a collection agency trying to recover the debt.
If you are in such a situation, understanding how debt collectors work will help you know how to deal with them. We will discuss all you need to know about debt collection and the debt assistance available to you.
How Debt Collection Works
When you stop making payments, your account is sent to a debt collector, and this information shows up on your credit report as collections. Your credit score takes a hit, and you start receiving calls and letters from debt collectors. But what can you do when a debt collector contacts you?
Reputable debt collectors do not use scare tactics or intimidation to retrieve money from the past-due account. Instead, they should name the original creditor, including how much you owe them. They should also inform you that you have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing if the collection account is erroneous.
If a debt collector contacts you, you have the right to request verification of the debt. If they can’t prove that you are the defaulter, you can ask them to cease contacting you and to remove the collection from your credit report.
Debt collectors work on a commission basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully collect payments, or they may also charge a fee for their services.
If you cannot agree with your debtor, you can use an attorney to advise you on the best action to take. Credible credit repair companies also help negotiate with debtors on your behalf and also provide financial advice regarding your debt.
What Happens if You Ignore Debt Collectors?
Debt collectors typically contact debtors by phone, email, or letter to request payment. If you do not respond to a debt collector’s request for payment, the debt collector may take legal action, such as filing a lawsuit to recover the debt. If the judgement is passed against you, a debt collection agency may seize your possession or wages to pay for the debt.
Ignoring debt collectors is also detrimental because your debt will keep growing as interest will keep piling up.
When you ignore debt collectors, you may miss validating if the debt is legitimate or not. This may harm your credit score even though the debt is erroneous.
Whether it’s legitimate or not, getting in touch with the debt collector provides more insight into the debt. If it turns out that there was an error in the collection letter, it helps prevent any late fees or penalties from being charged against your account.
N/B: If you receive a court summons regarding your debt, it is wise not to ignore it as it may be legitimate. Unscrupulous debt collectors may fabricate one. However, you should look up the court’s contact information online to confirm the accuracy of the notice. To avoid manipulation from unscrupulous debt collectors, do not use the contact information on the document you receive.
What Debt Collectors Can’t Do
If a debt collector has contacted you, you have certain rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For example, a debt collector may not contact you at an unreasonable time or place or use abusive or threatening language.
Debt collectors can not pretend to work for a government or consumer reporting agency. They are also prohibited from publicly shaming you for your debt or collecting a debt you don’t owe.
A debt collector is forbidden from calling you before 8:00 a.m or after 9:00 p.m. If you request in writing for them to stop calling you regarding your debt, they are mandated to honor your wish and stop contacting you.
If you think a debt collector has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you can file a complaint with the FCPB.
How Can I Get a Collection Removed Without Paying?
You can remove collections from your report by disputing inaccurate information such as:
What Questions to Ask Before Paying Off Collections?
People do many things when they find themselves in financial trouble, such as late payments, but they don’t always think through the consequences of their actions. Before you pay off collections, you should ask yourself these questions:
Has the statute of limitations expired?
Should I pay the debt?
Is the debt truly mine?
Can the debt be deleted from the credit report?
Our Key Takeaway
You are required to pay your debts on time to have a good credit score. However, if you are late on payments, debt collectors will try to collect the money owed to them. You will receive lots of calls and letters as they try to collect a debt. If you feel they are harassing you, you can write and ask them to stop contacting you or file a complaint. Here at Ascent Network, we help you manage your debts and remove collections from your report to maintain a good credit score.
A more positive outlook toward a more financially secure future starts today. Give the Ascent Network a call today at 1-877-871-2400. Ascent Network helps consumers all over the United States, and it is available locally in Huntington Beach, CA, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Thousand Palms.
When you fail to honor your debt obligation, your creditor sells your debt to collectors, and the negative information is reported to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax).
Collections accounts stick to your credit report for seven years from when your account became delinquent, making you look uncreditworthy to potential creditors. Here are some steps to increasing your credit score by removing collections.
How do I get collections off my credit report fast to Improve my credit score?
To get collections off your credit report fast, you must be proactive and check your report thoroughly. Get your free credit report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or from the three major credit bureaus. Compare the details against your records. If you don’t have your payment records, log into the account to check your payment history.
To check for negative accounts, go to the credit history and accounts section to find information on missed or late payments. Check the account status to see if it’s paid, charged off, or closed. Check the account number and the date the debt became delinquent. Once armed with these details, you can take the following steps:
1. Dispute collection error
Dispute a collection account if:
It is too old to be reported
It is incorrect
A delinquent account falls off your credit report seven years from the date it went delinquent. However, you may still find the account is not closed. File a dispute with the credit bureau, so they can remove the collection report from your account.
If a collection report is incorrect, gather all the documentation to show the collection appears on your report erroneously. Send a dispute with your correct contact information, indicate the mistake with account numbers, and explain how the information is incorrect. The bureau will have 30 days to correct the errors.
2. Ask for debt validation
The best dispute reason for removing collections is by asking the collection agency to validate the debt. Most often, documents get lost as debts are shuffled from one collection agency to another in an attempt to recover their money. In such scenarios, original documents get lost, and inaccurate details are passed on to debt collection agencies.
You should use this loophole to ask them to verify if the debt belongs to you. They will have to remove collections from your credit report if they can’t validate the debt.
3. Pay collections on time to improve your credit score
When the above steps don’t work, you need to ensure you don’t cause much damage to your credit score. You need to continue paying your debt as you wait for validation from the credit bureau or until you pay your debt fully. You can arrange a payment plan with your creditor and stick to it.
4. Send a goodwill letter
Once a collection account is reported to the three major credit bureaus, the negative information will remain for seven years. Unfortunately, despite having paid your debt fully, some lenders will consider this information when offering you loans. This affects the interest rate because they consider you uncreditworthy and offer you loans with higher interest rates.
Consider writing a goodwill letter, sending it to the collector or creditor, and politely asking them for a goodwill deletion by pointing out that you have fully paid the debt. If the creditor or collection agency agrees, ask for a written agreement that you can present to credit bureaus just in case the agency fails to update them.
How long after paying off collections does credit improve?
Credit score improvement depends on several factors, such as the scoring model used and other items found on your credit report. In fact, paying off your debt can hurt your score at first before you see major improvement. However, you may see some positive changes a month or two after updating the collection account.
Use credit repair companies
Credit repair companies like Ascent Network are experienced in credit score improvement. They know how to negotiate with creditors to remove collections from your report to improve your credit score.
Credit repair companies get much better results than you would alone. They offer additional information that helps you improve your score even further. Before you choose a credit repair company, ensure they are reputable.
Our bottom line
It is possible to remove collections from your credit report to improve your credit score only if you become proactive, check your credit report, analyze the information, and take the necessary steps. You can also use a reputable credit repair company with the experience to improve your score.
A more positive outlook toward a more financially secure future starts today. Give the Ascent Network a call today at 1-877-871-2400. Ascent Network helps consumers all over the United States and is available locally in Huntington Beach, CA, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Thousand Palms.
Debt management is important because it plays an important role in financial stability and sound economic growth. It also helps reduce overall debt levels and improve repayment prospects, thus, supporting long-term economic growth.
Residents of Huntington Beach, CA, use debt management services to help them better manage their finances. Credit management services also help improve companies’ finances to improve credit rating so they can borrow money easily in the future.
As important as companies should rely upon the services of credit management specialists, so should you. Credit repair companies help with debt consolidation, credit repair, debt settlement, credit improvement, foreclosure prevention, and education loan negotiations.
Here are some financial services you can receive if you are a Huntington Beach, CA resident.
Debt Settlement in Huntington Beach, CA
Debt settlement is when a creditor and a borrower reach an agreement where the borrower pays less than what they owe as full payment. Your credit report will show that the amount was paid in full, which is good for your credit score and future loan applications.
Debt settlement can be helpful if you are struggling to pay off your debts or if they have been damaging your credit score. It is a better option than the option of declaring bankruptcy.
Debt Settlement Tips
Before you settle your debts, it is important to know what factors affect the outcome of a debt settlement. Here are some tips on how to make the best possible use of this service:
Discuss your options with a Debt Settlement Advisor
Make sure you understand all of the costs and benefits associated with debt settlement before agreeing to any terms
Be aware that not all debt settlements are created equal, so do your research before settling
Have a realistic understanding of your financial situation before settling.
Stick to the terms of your debt settlement agreement, i.e., stop paying your creditor and instead pay your debt settlement company.
Credit Repair in Huntington Beach, CA
Credit repair can help improve your credit score by correcting any mistakes that may have been made in the past. This can open up opportunities to get new loans and lower interest rates, making it easier to pay off your debts.
Credit Score Improvement in Huntington Beach, CA
Credit score improvement is a crucial goal of credit repair. By correcting any errors on your credit report, you can improve your ability to borrow money in the future and get lower interest rates on loans.
Get a free copy of your credit report to monitor the activities, track any changes, and dispute any incorrect entries. You also need to take appropriate actions to improve your credit score, which is your overall creditworthiness. This may include paying off existing debts, maintaining good, punctual payments, and avoiding risky financial decisions
Foreclosure Prevention in Huntington, Beach, CA
Homeownership in Huntington Beach, CA, is a significant part of the culture. Owning your own home is a key element in achieving prosperity. However, it can sometimes be difficult for many homeowners to handle foreclosure and other financial setbacks.
When you stop making payments as agreed, your lender seizes your home, puts it up for sale, and lists it as foreclosed. Fortunately, foreclosure prevention efforts aim to help borrowers avoid foreclosure. These include:
Counseling borrowers on their options and providing them with information on their rights.
Working with lenders to provide alternative repayment plans that allow homeowners to keep their homes.
Assisting in managing debt and foreclosure proceedings.
Education Loan Negotiation in Huntington Beach, CA
Education loans can be a large expense for students and families, so it is important to get the best possible deal on these loans. If you can negotiate better terms for your education loan, this will make repayment much easier over time.
Loan negotiation can help you get a lower interest rate, reduced monthly payments, or even forgiveness of your entire debt. Despite congress providing significant relief in response to the covid- 19 pandemic, you still need to fulfill your obligation of paying your education loan.
Good negotiation is important for education loan negotiation, especially if you have defaulted on your student loans. Here is how it works:
To negotiate your student loan:
Gather the documents that will help you in negotiations
Contact your collection agency
Negotiate with the collection agency representative
Review settlement agreement
Make your payment
Ascent Network is a Trusted Credit Repair Service Provider In Huntington Beach, CA
If you have a bad credit score, it is essential to repair it to enjoy loans with lower interest rates. Our credit repair specialists from Huntington Beach are ready to help you prevent foreclosure, help improve your credit score, education loan negotiations, and debt settlement. We have a full-scale credit repair solution that will help you recover financially and have long-term stability. Contact us Now!
Huntington Beach, CA, Brief History
Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange county with over 200,455. It is located 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles and is made up of 10 miles of uninterrupted beaches.
Huntington Beach used to be a cattle route but has considerably undergone many reincarnations. The names this city used to hold before it got its current name were: Shell Beach, the town of Smeltzer, Gospel Swam, Fair View, and Pacific City when it started developing as a tourist attraction.
Pacific City incorporated the help of Henry E. Huntington, a businessman and a railroad magnate who decided to invest his fortune in developing Pacific City’s interurban railroads.
The founder Henry E. Huntington had significant influence, and the city adopted the name Huntington Beach as an appreciation.
Things to do in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach has a long shoreline that stretches 10 miles with five open sandy beaches (Huntington beach, Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and Sunset Beach). It is an excellent place for Surf enthusiasts due to its consistent waves. The beach has concrete pathways to make it accessible for everyone. You will also get to enjoy playing beach volleyball with your children and friends.
The Huntington Beach Pier is 1,850 feet long and is the longest on the West Coast. It symbolizes the heart of Huntington Beach. You can access the pier from the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve covers 1400 acres of wetland habitat. The boardwalk offers hikers and bird watchers an easy trail through the wet areas. Huntington Beach is only 20 minutes from Disneyland, where you can take your family on Disney adventures.
Visit the Surf Museum founded by Natalie Kotsch, who wasn’t a surfer but loved watching the sport. You will see the largest surfboard (42 feet long,16 inches, and 1300 pounds), which holds the Guinness World Record. The museum is a tourist attraction where you can learn about your favorite surfers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Huntington Beach, CA
What are the top attractions in Huntington Beach, CA?
The top attractions in Huntington Beach, CA, are the Huntington Beach Pier, The Surf Museum, Bolsa Chica Ecological Museum, and The Huntington Beach shoreline.
What are the top industries in Huntington Beach, CA?
The top industries in Huntington Beach, CA, are tourism and technology. The abundant beaches and warm Mediterranean climate make it a perfect vacation place for tourists. It is also home to industrial businesses like Boeing, and C & D Aerospace, among others. The presence of the Huntington Beach chamber of commerce also makes it easy to set up a business.
Are there credit repair companies in Huntington Beach, CA?
Yes. Ascent Network is a reputable credit repair company that has helped thousands of Huntington Beach residents.
A more positive outlook toward a more financially secure future starts today. Give the Ascent Network a call today at 1-877-871-2400. Ascent Network helps consumers all over the United States and is available locally in Huntington Beach, CA, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Thousand Palms.
Do you have several loans with varying interest rates and due dates? You might benefit from a debt consolidation loan. Let’s take a look.
What Is a Debt Consolidation Loan?
A debt consolidation loan takes all your debts and payments and rolls them into one loan. Why would you want to do this? You may have loans and credit card debts with high interest rates. A consolidation loan allows you to pay off all those different debts and just have one monthly payment. It most likely will also have a lower interest rate than all the other debts had.
Making one lower payment instead of multiple monthly payments frees up more cash for your monthly budget, or you can put that extra cash toward paying off your debt consolidation loan even faster.
Debt consolidation should not be confused with debt settlement. Debt settlement is when you work with companies to take away some of what you owe. Debt consolidation helps you pay off what you owe.
There Are Two Types of Debt Consolidation Loans
Secured Loans
Secured loans are loans you take out for which you put something up for collateral. You might use property, a car, or your home. Secured loans have lower interest rates than unsecured loans.
Unsecured Loans
Unsecured loans do not have collateral, so they are more of a risk for the lender. As such, they usually have higher interest rates than secured loans, but the rate may still be lower than the rates on the debts you are trying to pay off.
Is Debt Consolidation a Good Option for You?
Not everyone benefits from debt consolidation. Here are some indications that it is a good choice for your specific needs:
Your credit score is good.
If by consolidating your loans and debts, you will become debt-free faster.
You have enough cash to cover your monthly payments.
Consolidation may not be right for you if you are already close to paying off all your debts. If you are only going to save a marginal amount, it might be best for you to continue paying off your debts on your own.
How Do You Build Credit by Paying a Loan?
If you have had trouble paying off your debts and you need to rebuild your credit score, you might want to look into a credit-builder loan.
Unlike a traditional loan where you borrow money from a lender and then pay it back, a credit-builder loan has you pay for the loan – and then get the money. It is almost like putting money into a savings account that you can’t touch until it is paid in full.
If you make your payments in full and on time every month, your bank reports this to the credit bureaus, and your credit score increases. But, make sure you are able to make those payments. If you default or make late payments, you could end up hurting your credit score rather than helping it.
What Are Some Other Ways to Build Credit?
The best way to improve your credit score is to make all your payments in full and on time. If you have any past-due debts, pay them off as quickly as possible.
Don’t apply for any new credit cards. Applying for credit brings your score down. It causes an inquiry into your credit standing and lowers your credit accounts’ average age.
Make sure you keep your credit card balances low. The less debt you carry keeps your credit utilization ratio low. And finally, make sure to check your credit report every year. If you find any mistakes, make sure to have them resolved.
Conclusion
If you have multiple debts or loans with varying interest rates, consolidating those debts may be in your best interest. This will bring all of them into one lower payment with one lower interest rate.
A secured debt consolidation loan has a lower interest rate and payment than an unsecured loan because you are putting up collateral. So, make sure you are getting the right kind of loan for your needs.
A more positive outlook toward a more financially secure future starts today. Give the Ascent Network a call today at 1-877-871-2400. Ascent Network helps consumers all over the United States. It is available locally in Huntington Beach, CA, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Thousand Palms.
If you’re struggling with debt, you may be receiving calls from a debt collector. These calls can be very overwhelming and emotionally draining. You may have wondered, “Can I tell them to stop calling? How do I stop bill collectors from calling my cell phone?” Fortunately, resources and laws are in place to help you. … Continued
A debt collection company is a company or agency that collects payments on outstanding debts. Debt collectors work for creditors, such as banks, credit card companies, and retailers. They may also be buyers who purchase debt at a fraction of its face value with the intent of recovering the entire debt owed. If you have … Continued
When you fail to honor your debt obligation, your creditor sells your debt to collectors, and the negative information is reported to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax). Collections accounts stick to your credit report for seven years from when your account became delinquent, making you look uncreditworthy to potential creditors. Here … Continued
Debt management is important because it plays an important role in financial stability and sound economic growth. It also helps reduce overall debt levels and improve repayment prospects, thus, supporting long-term economic growth. Residents of Huntington Beach, CA, use debt management services to help them better manage their finances. Credit management services also help improve … Continued
Do you have several loans with varying interest rates and due dates? You might benefit from a debt consolidation loan. Let’s take a look. What Is a Debt Consolidation Loan? A debt consolidation loan takes all your debts and payments and rolls them into one loan. Why would you want to do this? You may … Continued