Consumer Help

Laws and Advice Pertaining to Collection of Debt

In the United States collection law is specific to the state, and some time city, in which the consumer resides.  In California, there are two laws in respect to collection of debt:  The California Robbins-Rosenthal Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

The information on this website is NOT legal advice.  Every situation is different and do not rely on this canned summary to answer all your questions.  Our purpose here is to give you some information that can help you as a consumer.

   If you are contacted by a bill collector, act.  Avoiding the telephone call may make the issue worse.  We suggest you return the call and let the person know your situation.  If you are unable to make a payment, explain to them what payment you can make.    Most of all : do not avoid the calls!  If the balance warrants it, the bill collector can proceed with legal activity.  THIS YOU DO NOT WANT!

    In most cases, you can set up some sort of payment plan if you act quickly.  The best scenario is to put the debt on a credit card so you can avoid the credit reporting that may happen on the file.  Some agencies will also accept post-dated checks as payment in full so it will not be reported.

     A creditor can refuse to accept payments on the account so it is in your best interest to respond to their telephone call and TALK TO THEM.  Demanding payments may not work:  ask for them.  If the creditor can not accept payments, you can look for other sources of funding.

    In California, a collector can contact you at work or home.  If you can not accept calls at work, simply let them know verbally and follow up that information in writing. 

     This page will soon provide some links to the law and commonly asked questions.  In the meantime, feel free to Ask Christina