If you are currently being contacted by a collection agency, the feeling can be awful. With the calls and letters coming in most every day, it probably seems as if there is no end in sight. However, there are some simple and effective measures that you can take to stop the contact for good. In this article, let’s take a look at how to deal with a collection agency.

The most obvious method for getting rid of a collection agency is to simply pay off the debt. However, the fact that the debt has reached a collection agency is probably a good indication that you are unable to. If you have a trusted friend or family member, maybe you can explain your situation and borrow the money from them. The simple fact is that the sooner the debt gets settled, the sooner the collection agency will stop contacting you. Just keep in mind that when paying debts that have been sent to a Collection Agency, may still report negatively on your credit report even after paying off. So if this account has already been reported in your credit file, you should try to negotiate a deletion with the payment … IF you can come up with the payment, that is!

O.K., let’s assume that you do not have the finances or the resources available to pay off the debt. Now what? Well, the best advice regardless of your situation is to never ignore the letters or the calls. It may be scary having to actually speak with the collection agency, but ignoring the contact will only make the situation worse. However, if you just don’t want to talk to them, you can demand they stop calling at your home, work, friends and family, or any other telephone number they have. You can require that they communicate with you in writing only if you prefer. But remember, you’ll still need to deal with the problem.

Now if, or when speaking with them, you need to be sure to document exactly who you’re speaking to, the name of the company, the day and time they call as well as any pertinent information they can give you about this “so-called” debt they say you’ve incurred.

Then you need to be sure that this is, in fact, your debt. And even if it is, never verbally say it is over the phone because they can use this information against you in the future. Instead, try to gather as much information about the alleged debt as possible (i.e., the alleged balance, open date, date of last activity, interest, how did they come up with this balance, proof that you should be paying them and not someone else, proof that the account is still collectable, etc.). And with this information, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you should attempt payment arrangements or not.

Most of the time, a collection agency is more than willing to make arrangements that you will be able to meet. Let them know, if this is in fact your debt and if the balance they claim you owe is correct, that you are not avoiding the debt, and that you are committed to paying the debt in time. The collection agency will then work with you to come up with a viable payment plan. Better yet, if you are able to follow through with the plan, it is guaranteed that the calls and letters will stop completely.

What happens if you are contacted by an aggressive collection agency that is not willing to make an arrangement? If you find yourself faced with a collection agency that is unwilling to work with you, take note of the practices they employ. They could very well be in violation of this act. Again, make sure you document all calls for improprieties, and contact an attorney who deals in such matters. It should be mentioned that just because a collection agency won’t make an arrangement or payment plan, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are in violation of the FDCPA. It only means the possibility exists, because most quality agencies are willing to work with a debtor to get the debt resolved.

Now that you know how to deal with a collection agency, you can work towards ending the calls and letters once and for all. Think of how great it will feel to have the situation behind you, and do your best to meet any arrangements made in clearing your debt. Good luck!