How to Talk to Bill Collectors

The most important thing to remember in dealing with bill collectors is that you do not have to talk to them. Federal and Michigan law says you can tell collection agencies not to contact you and they are required to comply.

However, bill collectors do not always follow the law and they may continue to call you. They can be very aggressive and hard to deal with. You should not worry about being rude to them – they are in the wrong to continue contacting you.

Sometimes it is easier to get rid of such callers if you have a written script to follow. Some sample language is set out below. If you are called by a collection agency choose one or more of these sample statements to read and then hang up. If they call back, repeat as necessary. You may want to print out and keep this article by your phone and use each time you are called. Do not get dragged into any other conversation with bill collectors. Otherwise they may trick you into giving out personal information to be used against you.

Another tactic they use is to simply keep you on the phone to berate and shame you for not paying; hoping to either upset you or make you feel guilty so you might pay them. Do not fall for this and by all means don’t be afraid to quickly terminate the conversation even if hanging up is required.

SAMPLE LANGUAGE:

I sent you a do-not-contact letter. You are violating the law by calling me. Do not call again. Good-bye.

I told you not to contact me. I am keeping a record of your calls because you are violating the law. Good-bye.

I am living on Social Security and can not afford to pay this bill. You are wasting your time contacting me. Good-bye.

I do not owe this bill and do not intend to pay you anything. Do not contact me again. Good-bye.

I told you not to contact me again. This is illegal harassment and I will not stand for it. I am going to report you to the proper authorities. Good-bye.

Additionally you can ask the caller for an address you can use to correspond with whoever is doing the collection, hang up and write a "do not contact" letter as in this example.

If you have additional questions concerning bill collection or other legal matters,

To locate free or low cost legal assistance:

Visit the Michiganlegalaid.org home page and search for local assistance by entering your zip code in the box marked “Find a lawyer, organization or related service to help you with your problem.” or
Look under "attorneys" in the yellow pages to find your local legal aid office, or
Contact the Michigan State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 968- 0738.
Persons age 60 or older, regardless of their income, may be able to receive free advice from the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors by calling (800) 347-5297.