The sinking feeling hits the moment a debt collection agency identifies itself over the phone. “Hello. I am representing Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. and I am calling to collect the outstanding balance you owe on the personal loan you took out with Wells Fargo.”
You mistakenly thought the debt just disappeared from the radar screen, but now it is back to haunt you daily in the form of phone calls from a debt collection agency.
You experience fear and anxiety that negatively impacts other areas of your life, including your performance at work and the personal relationships you have built up for years at home.
How do you handle a phone call from Astra Recovery Services, Inc.?
You should contact a highly rated consumer protection lawyer to help you deal with a third party debt collector. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) of 1977, debt collection agencies must follow several provisions that prevent harassment in the form of abusive language and the issuing of threats to take you to court.
The FDCPA also includes stipulations that govern how a bill collector acts over the phone. For example, did you know that Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. is not allowed to call you before 8:00 am and 9:00 pm?
Know What Information to Share with a Debt Collection Agency
If you receive a phone call from Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc., you can expect the person on the other end of the line to be a seasoned debt collection professional.
Third party debt collectors carefully screen customer representative applicants to find the right candidates that posses the skills required to persuade consumers to settle outstanding credit card and personal loan accounts.
A representative from a third party debt collector will read from a phone script that displays what questions to ask and in what order to ask the questions. You need a licensed consumer protection lawyer to create a phone script that tells you what questions to answer and what questions you politely decline to answer.
Your lawyer might also recommend you send Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. a certified cease and desist letter requesting the end of all forms of communication.
![Phone Script For When Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. Calls*]()
How to Handle a Phone Call from Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc.
Debt collection agencies thrive on the element of surprise, which you counteract by making two important statements over the phone. First, you should tell a representative from Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. that you plan to record the phone conversation.
Tape recording a phone call with a third party debt collector puts the agency on notice to follow every provision written into the FDCPA. Second, ask Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. to send you proof the delinquent debt in question is valid.
Debt collection agencies make mistakes, as do the original creditors that sell outstanding credit card and personal loan balances to third party debt collectors. Asking for proof of an outstanding debt also ensures the debt falls within the state mandated statute of limitations for collecting delinquent consumer debts.
Do not allow Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. gain the upper hand in a phone conversation. Speak with an experienced consumer protection lawyer to learn how the FDCPA protects you against unethical third party debt collectors.
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*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 Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.