Debt collectors will always persuade you using different tactics because they want you to foot the bill as soon as possible. In most cases, they will tell you lies that won’t work. The lies will instead land you in more trouble. So, as a creditor, or as someone who owes some money, you should be very smart if debt collectors try to persuade you with lies that don’t work. Below are some 5 lies that debt collectors will often tell you.
1. I’m an attorney
Normally, people tend to fear lawyers because they have the legal knowledge at hand and can manipulate any case to victory.
When a debt collector tells you that he or she is an attorney, he or she is just trying to threaten you because he or she knows that people generally fear lawyers.
So, if a debt collector tells you he or she is a debt collector, then ask him or her to prove by providing you with his or her contact information plus his or her certification.
If he or she can provide you with the certification or contact information, then he or she is a real lawyer, but in most cases, real lawyers will never talk to you at that point.
2. I work for the Government — and Can Put You in Jail
This is the biggest lie that debt collectors should not tell you. Here is why; debt collectors normally don’t work for the government. So, let them don’t threaten you. Instead be firm and look for ways through which you can foot out the bill.
In addition, you can never be put in jail for failing to pay a loan, bill or even a credit card. You can also not be told to appear in court just because you haven’t paid your bills, maybe with a lawsuit.
In fact, The Fair Debt Collection Practice Act deter any debt collector from intimidating or threatening anyone. If the debt collector continues to intimidate you, call Dove.
So, if a debt collector just calls you and informs you that you will soon face a jail time, don’t be worried. Ask him or her for the contact details. After doing that, be sure to report the matter to the Federal Trade Commission.
3. I Work for a Credit Reporting Company
Even the credit reporting bureaus like Equifax, Experian don’t collect debts. They instead they overlook at how you’re paying your credit and then report to others.
Therefore, if you get a call from someone claiming to be working with a credit bureau, ask him or her of his contact information, the company he or she works for and his or her title.
4. You Owe Much More Than That
In some cases, debt collectors may lie to you about the amount of money you owe; they will tell you that you owe much more than you know.
It is a crime to misinterpret the amount someone owes you. If you feel that the amount the debt collector is claiming you owe, tell him or her to provide proof so that you can come to a conclusion.
5. You Just Have to Sign Some Paperwork
Again, some debt collectors may try to intimidate you to pay your bills by signing some document. In fact, some may even send you documents that appear to be real legal papers when in reality, they are fake documents. On the other hand, a debt collector can bring to you a document that looks simple and you sign only to realize that it’s a real legal paper.
Wrap Up
Don’t let debt collectors try to intimidate you with any of those lies discussed above because in most cases, they are just trying to threaten you to pay your bills. Instead, report any sensitive lie to the authority.
