Before September 20, 1977, consumers were at the legal mercy of third party debt collectors like Rash Curtis & Associates. With the passage of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), consumers enjoy numerous protections against unethical debt collection agency behavior.
Third party debt collectors cannot use abusive language or issue threats to collect outstanding debt. Once legal deceptive practices no longer carry any legal weight inside a courtroom litigating alleged violations of the FDCPA.
The FDCPA applies to phone calls made by debt collection agencies. When you receive a phone call from Rash Curtis & Associates, you might experience an increase in stress because of the unknown.
You might not be sure if Rash Curtis & Associates can garnish your wages or take you to court for the collection of an outstanding credit account or personal loan. The best way to deal with phone calls from a third party debt collector involves working with a licensed FDCPA lawyer.
Know what Information to Give Rash Curtis & Associates
One upping a third party debt collector over the phone is almost an impossibility for most consumers. Debt collection agencies such as Rash Curtis & Associates thoroughly train representatives to ask the right questions at the most appropriate times.
The debt collection agency representative will ask a series of questions in rapid fire succession to take advantage of your inexperience in handling questions from third party debt collectors. Did you know that a debt collection representative from Rash Curtis & Associates can inquire about your employer?
However, there are many other questions that you do not have to answer. Your lawyer will coach you on how to respond to debt collection agency questions or even recommend you do not answer any questions at all.
![Phone Script for When Rash Curtis & Associates Calls*]()
How to Respond to a Debt Collection Agency Phone Call
When a third party debt collector calls you, the first thing to do is ask the representative to verify who he or she is working for in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt. Then, inform the representative that you are turning on a tape recorder to produce a legally binding account of the phone conversation.
You should ask the debt collection agency to send you proof of the outstanding debt as set forth in the FDCPA.
Just as important as what you should say is a list of questions you do not have to answer:
- How much is your weekly net pay?
- Do you earn money from any other sources?
- Do you rent an apartment or own a home?
- What is the name of your bank?
- Do you have any other outstanding debts?
By answering one or more questions that reveals crucial financial information, you can expect the debt collection agency representative to put you on hold to devise the best strategy for getting you to pay off a delinquent debt.
Never agree to anything a representative suggests, unless the suggestion is a payment plan you can easily afford.
Speak with a licensed FDCPA lawyer to receive the coaching you deserve to deal with debt collection agency phone calls.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Rash Curtis & Associates or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.