Collection calls can be one of the most intimidating situations that you may encounter. Normal responses to collection calls are not to answer the phone, tell a bill collector where to go and tell a collector yourself or have someone else tell them that you are not home. These old moldy tactics that people have been consistently using ever since the telephone became a household item, do not work. So what can you do if bill collectors are calling you?

Before you talk to a bill collector, sit down and determine what led up to you getting an account in collections. If you are working, you have to consider what you chances are for being sued. If you are getting income that is generally protected from garnishments like social security, SSI or unemployment, you have another set of circumstances to deal with.

Once you determine what your financial situation is, before you talk to a collector, it would be wise for you to put together a hardship letter that correctly explains your situation based on your income, expenses and unique employment situation. If you are getting collection calls, here is one way you can buy yourself some valuable time.

Tell a bill collector that you need up to 7 to 10 business days to determine what your financial situation looks like. Do not tell a bill collector that you have money in an investment fund or can borrow money from someone. If you have any questions about how to handle your unique situation you can call me at 313-744-5977 or e-mail me at [email protected].