Better Business Bureau gives advice for dealing with debt collectors

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (TNN) - The Better Business Bureau has been receiving calls about debt collectors calling and harassing people.

The BBB expects these calls to continue and has offered the following advice for when a debt collector calls:

• Gather as many facts as possible about the debt in question without acknowledging the debt is yours
• Ask the creditor for a debt validation letter or tell them to cease all contact; the debt collection agency is required to provide you with written proof of the debt’s validity
• If the collector will not provide you with written proof then it could be someone trying to scam you into paying money you don’t owe
• If you determine the debt is not yours or is invalid, write a letter challenging its validity and include any proof you have
• If you determine the debt is yours, the BBB encourages you to resolve the issue
• If you determine the debt is yours but you still can’t pay the debt, proceed with caution when pursuing any debt relief opportunities

Any issues with the collection practices of a debt collector should be sent to the Federal Trade Commission.

To find out more information on the BBB scam tracker or to report a scam, visit their website.