If you have missed payments on debt that you owe, then the debt collection process may begin for you.
Getting into debt can happen easily. Perhaps you had an unexpected medical bill, lost your job, or couldn’t keep up with your everyday expenses. Whatever the reason, if you don’t repay debt, then the lender may send your debt to a collection agency.
This can be a daunting and confusing time, but it is important to know what to expect. The debt collection process is a process whereby debt collectors attempt to retrieve overdue debt that the borrower has failed to repay.
The process can be started by the creditor, or the debt collector may be assigned to the case by the creditor. It’s a good idea to have a general understanding of the debt collection process so that you know what to expect.
In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the debt collection process. We will explain what debt collectors are and what they can do to recover your debt. We will also discuss what to expect at each step of the process so that you can be prepared for what lies ahead.
What is a debt collector?
A debt collector is a person or company that is assigned to collect debt on behalf of a creditor. Debt collectors are typically used when the borrower has failed to repay debt in a timely manner.
The debt collector will attempt to contact the borrower to arrange for repayment of the debt. If the debt collector is unable to reach the borrower, they may contact the borrower’s family, friends, or employer in an attempt to locate the borrower.
What debt collectors can do to collect debt?
Debt collectors have a few different methods that they can use to collect debt. They may contact the borrower by phone, mail, or email.
They may also send a debt collection letter to the borrower. This debt collection letter will state the amount of debt that is owed, as well as the consequences of not repaying the debt.
If the debt collector is unable to collect the debt from the borrower, they may resort to legal action. This means that they will file a lawsuit against the borrower.
What they’re not able to do is threaten or intimidate the borrower. They also cannot make false claims about the debt that is owed.
What is the debt collection process?
If you are in the debt collection process, there are a few things that you should know. Here are the steps of the debt collection process:
1. Missing payments
Missing payments is the first step in the debt collection process. The reason for any debt collection process is that the borrower has failed to repay a debt in a timely manner.
The debt could be from anything from a credit card bill to a student loan. If you have missed payments, the person or company to whom you owe money (the creditor) will likely contact you to try and collect the debt.
At this point, it’s a good idea to try and negotiate with the creditor. You may be able to come to an agreement about a repayment plan.
This is the best-case scenario, as it will avoid the debt collection process altogether.
2. Debt is sent to a debt collector
If you’re unable to negotiate with the creditor or do not communicate with them, the debt may be sent to a debt collector.
Keep in mind that debt collectors are different from creditors. Creditors are the people or companies to whom you owe money. Debt collectors are third-party companies that collect debt on behalf of the creditor.
The person or company to who you owe payment has hired the debt collector to get the debt repaid.
In some cases, the debt may be sold to a debt collector. This means that the debt collector now owns the debt and is responsible for collecting it.
3. The debt collector starts contacting you
The debt collector will contact you to try and collect the debt. They will likely use similar methods to the creditor, such as phone calls, emails, or letters.
The debt collector may also contact your family, friends, or employer in an attempt to locate you.
At this point, it’s important to communicate with the debt collector. If you’re unable to repay the debt in full, you may be able to negotiate a repayment plan.
It’s also important to know your rights. Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten, intimidate you, or make false claims about the debt that is owed.
If the debt collector does any of these things, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
4. The debt collector files a lawsuit
If the debt collector is unable to collect the debt, they may file a lawsuit. This means that they will take you to court in order to try and collect the debt.
If the debt collector wins the lawsuit, they will be able to collect the debt through wage garnishment or by putting a lien on your property.
It’s important to note that you have the right to defend yourself in court. If you think that the debt collector does not have the right to collect the debt, or if you believe that you do not owe the debt, you can file a response to the lawsuit.
You will then have the opportunity to present your case in court.
However, whether you get sued or not all depends on the circumstances and the amount of money owed. Roughly 15% of Americans who are in the debt collection process have been sued, so it’s not a guarantee.
Bottom Line
The consequences of being involved in the debt collection process can lead to a negative impact on your credit report. Apart from that, it can be a stressful process that follows you around for a long time. It’s important to be proactive about debt and try to negotiate with the creditor before it gets sent to collections. If you’re facing debt collection, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
First, understand your rights. Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten or intimidate you, and they must abide by certain rules. Second, try to communicate with the debt collector. If you’re unable to repay the debt in full, you may be able to negotiate a repayment plan. Lastly, know that you have the right to defend yourself in court. If you think that the debt collector does not have the right to collect the debt, or if you believe that you do not owe the debt, you can file a response to the lawsuit. By understanding the debt collection process, you can be better prepared to handle it.