In setting up a payment schedule for a delinquent debt, can a consumer refuse to deal with a collection agency and demand instead to deal directly with the creditor?
Yes. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practice Act, a consumer has the right to notify the debt collector to cease all communication with the consumer. The consumer may then communicate directly with the creditor. The notice to the collection agency must be in writing. Upon receipt of the notice, the debt collector is prohibited from communicating with the consumer, except to advise the consumer that the agency’s collection activities are being terminated, or to notify the consumer that the agency or the creditor may invoke specified remedies.
Related Questions
- In setting up a payment schedule for a delinquent debt, can a consumer refuse to deal with a collection agency and demand instead to deal directly with the creditor?
- How can I obtain more information about a debt collection or a consumer collection agency?
- Why hire a third-party collection agency to collect delinquent debt or NSF checks?
