Stop Credit Card Calls: Block Aroma's Harassment

If you're receiving unwanted calls from Credit Aroma, there are several steps you can take to make them stop. First, you need to verify that the debt is yours. Ask the agent for details about the debt, including the original creditor, when and how it was incurred, and the current balance. Also, get the agent's name and the collection agency's name, address, and phone number. You can then request a written validation of the debt, which they are required to send within five days. If the debt is not yours, send a dispute letter. If it is yours, you may still have the option not to pay if certain circumstances apply, such as if the statute of limitations has passed or you've recently filed for bankruptcy. If you want the calls to stop, you can send a cease-and-desist letter, but be aware that this will not prevent them from taking legal action against you. Alternatively, you can try to negotiate your debt by saving up a lump sum to offer as a one-time payment. Finally, make sure you understand your rights and the limitations on what debt collectors are allowed to do when attempting to collect a debt.

Write a letter to the debt collector

If you are being contacted by a debt collector, you have the right to tell them to stop. Regardless of the communications channel, the collector must stop. However, it is important to note that you may still owe the debt, and the collector may find alternative ways to collect it, such as filing a lawsuit against you or reporting negative information to a credit reporting company.

To request that a debt collector stop contacting you, write a letter to the debt collector. This letter is often referred to as a "cease and desist" letter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write this letter:

Step 1: Identify the Debt

First, make sure that the debt the collector is contacting you about is actually yours. Ask the debt collector for details about the debt, including the name of the creditor, the amount owed, and when the account went into default. If the debt is not yours, inform the debt collector and the credit reporting agencies so that they can remove any inaccurate information from your record.

Step 2: Understand Your Rights and the Debt Collection Laws

Familiarize yourself with the debt collection laws in your region. In the United States, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from harassment, oppression, or abuse by debt collectors. Know the set times and protocols that debt collectors are required to follow in your area, including how many times they can contact you within a specific period and whether they are allowed to contact your employer.

Step 3: Draft the Letter

When writing the letter, it is important to be clear and concise. Begin the letter by stating that you are exercising your rights under the relevant debt collection laws, including the FDCPA. Request that the debt collector immediately ceases all communication with you and any individuals associated with you, such as family and friends. Additionally, if your employer prohibits you from receiving personal calls or correspondence at work, include that information and request that they refrain from contacting your workplace.

Step 4: Provide Consequences for Non-Compliance

In the letter, clearly state that if the debt collector does not comply with your request, you will take necessary actions. Inform them that you will file complaints with relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and your state's Attorney General's Office. Also mention that civil claims may be pursued.

Step 5: Send the Letter

Send the letter to the debt collector via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This will provide you with proof that the debt collector has received your letter. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.

It is important to remember that sending a cease and desist letter does not erase your debt. The debt collector may still take legal action to recover the debt if it is valid. Therefore, it is advisable to seek legal advice and understand your rights and options regarding the debt.

Understand your rights

You have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you. If you ask them to stop all contact, regardless of the channel of communication, they must abide by your request. However, it is important to note that you may still owe any debts.

In the United States, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from debt collector harassment. If a debt collector continues to contact you after receiving a written notice to stop, or if you've informed them that you have a lawyer and provided the lawyer's contact information, they are likely violating the FDCPA. You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA, and if you win, the debt collector will generally have to pay your attorney's fees and may also have to pay damages.

In Canada, each province has its own consumer protection authority website. Check to ensure that the collection agency contacting you is licensed. If it isn't, or if their jurisdiction doesn't fall within your province, they have no right to collect debts from you.

Additionally, debt collectors must provide certain information when they first communicate with you, usually in the form of a validation notice. This notice includes details about the debt and the debt collector, as well as a form that allows you to dispute the debt or request more information.

It is important to understand the laws and regulations that govern debt collection practices in your specific country or region. By knowing your rights, you can better protect yourself from harassment and take appropriate action if your rights are violated.

Ask for written validation of the debt

If you're being contacted by a debt collector, it's important to understand your rights. By law, debt collectors are required to validate certain details about the debt in question to help you determine whether it's really your responsibility. This is where a debt validation letter comes in.

A debt validation letter is a document from a debt collector that provides information about a debt you may owe. It is also known as a debt validation notice. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires collection agencies to provide debt validation letters to protect consumers from being asked to pay debts that don't belong to them.

Here's what to do if you want to ask for written validation of a debt:

When to Request a Debt Validation Letter

Federal law requires collection agencies to provide debt validation notices, so you don't need to request one. In some cases, a collector may provide the validation letter as its initial communication to you. If not, they must provide it within five days of their first communication, either by mail or email.

What a Debt Validation Letter Should Include

The purpose of a debt validation letter is to help you determine whether you owe the debt that's being collected and that the details of your financial obligation are accurate. Collection agencies are required to provide the following information:

• A statement that the notice is coming from a debt collector
• Your name and mailing address
• The collection agency's name and mailing address
• The name of the creditor (or creditors) you owe the debt to
• The account number associated with the debt (if any)
• The current amount owed, along with an itemization detailing interest, fees, payments and credits

How to Request a Debt Verification

If you've received a debt validation letter and still have questions or concerns, you can request a debt verification letter. This is a letter you send to the debt collector to dispute information found in the validation notice. Here's what to include in your debt verification letter:

• Details about the original creditor
• The original loan agreement that proves your obligation to repay
• Documentation showing the age of the debt and the original delinquency date
• A comprehensive itemization, including dates, for added fees and interest
• The collection agency's license to collect in your state and the information for the state agency that issued the license
• If you've already paid off the debt, include documentation proving payment

What to Do After Sending a Debt Verification Request

Once you send a debt verification letter, the collection agency is required to pause collection efforts until it has provided an adequate response to your request. If the collection agency can't provide adequate documentation for its claim and still tries to collect, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state's attorney general.

Tips for Communicating with Debt Collectors

When communicating with debt collectors, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

• Keep records: Maintain a record of any letters, documents, or communications you receive from debt collectors. Write down dates and times of conversations, along with notes about what was discussed.
• Respond in writing: If you're disputing a debt or requesting validation, it's important to respond in writing, even if the debt collector provides information over the phone or by email.
• Be careful what you say: Debt collectors keep records of their communications with you. Avoid making statements that could be used against you, such as admitting to owing the debt or apologizing.
• Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the FDCPA. For example, debt collectors are not allowed to use profanity, issue threats, or share details about your situation with your loved ones or employer.

Request to be contacted in writing only

If you are being contacted by a debt collector, it is important to first confirm that the debt belongs to you. If you have a common name, they may be calling you about someone else's account. In other cases, they could be calling about debts you've already cleared. Ask the debt collector who the debt belongs to, which creditor it is tied to, the amount owed, and when the account went into default.

If the debt does belong to you, you can request that the debt collector communicates with you in writing only. Under state and federal law, you have the right to be contacted in writing via the United States Postal Service (snail mail). To do this, send a letter to the creditor or debt collector requesting that they only communicate with you in writing, and provide your address. Once this request is received, the collector must stop calling you. If they continue to call, they may be in violation of the law and liable for damages.

You can also fill out a "request for communication in writing only" form (printable form or online form) and send it to the debt collector with proof of delivery (e.g. fax transmission report, registered letter receipt). After receiving this request, they are not allowed to contact you by phone and must start communicating with you in writing only (such as mail or email).

Keep in mind that stopping the phone calls does not make the debt go away. If left unpaid, interest charges may accrue, and your debt load may increase. An unpaid debt may also negatively affect your credit rating and make future financing difficult.

Pay the money you owe

If you have the means, paying off the money you owe is the most straightforward way to get debt collectors to stop calling. However, this is often easier said than done, and there are other ways to stop the calls if you are unable to pay. Here are some steps you can take to address the debt and stop the harassing phone calls:

Confirm the Debt:

Before you do anything, make sure that the debt the collector is calling about is actually yours. Ask the debt collector for details about the debt, including the creditor's name, the amount owed, and when the account went into default. If the debt is old, it's possible that it's past the statute of limitations, which is the time period a creditor is allowed to collect payment. If it's nearing the statute of limitations, you may want to wait it out, as the creditor will lose their right to enforce payment. However, be careful, as acknowledging the debt or making a partial payment may reset the clock on this time period.

Understand Your Rights:

Educate yourself about your rights when it comes to debt collection. By law, debt collectors are not allowed to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices. They are also not allowed to contact you at any time or place. For example, they can't call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or at work if you've told them you're not allowed to receive calls there. They also can't contact you by email or text message if you ask them to stop. Additionally, they can't call you more than seven times within a seven-day period.

Communicate in Writing:

If you want the calls to stop, send a written request to the debt collector. You can ask them to stop contacting you, or you can request that all further communication be done in writing. Keep a copy of your letter, and consider sending it by certified mail with a "return receipt" to have proof that they received it. Once they receive your request, they are only allowed to contact you to confirm they will stop or to inform you of any legal actions they plan to take, such as filing a lawsuit.

Dispute the Debt:

If you don't recognize the debt or believe it's not yours, you have the right to dispute it. Send a dispute letter within 30 days of receiving the validation notice from the debt collector. Once they receive your dispute, they must stop collection efforts until they can provide written verification of the debt.

Seek Professional Help:

If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking help from a credit counselling organization or a lawyer who specializes in debt-related cases. They can help you understand your rights, review your financial situation, and guide you through your options for addressing the debt.

Remember, even if you stop the calls, the debt doesn't simply go away. It's important to take proactive steps to address the debt, whether that's through negotiating with the creditor, setting up a payment plan, or exploring debt relief options.

Frequently asked questions