It starts with a letter. Then another, more aggressive letter. Then come the phone calls, and even threats of an unsavory report to credit bureaus. There could even be a potential lawsuit.

Collection agencies are often hired by creditors to retrive debt. Because many of these companies work for commission, the collectors are more likely to go after the money owed with gusto. Although this may all seem intimidating, it is important for you to know your rights.

Collection agencies in reality do have the right to report your debt to credit bureaus. Satisfying the debt will not result in it being removed from your credit reports. Instead, it will be marked off as “paid.” Collection agencies also can request a debtors credit report to analyze the person’s financial situation, or to get an updated address and phone number. Furthermore, although collection agencies do not like to send many accounts back, there are specific incidents where they will refer their account back to the creditor and recommend filing a law suit.

There are rules and regulations by which collection agencies must abide. Letters should come in ambiguous envelops that do not reveal that any type of debt is owed. In terms of phone calls, a collector may not disclose the reason for the call. For example, if a collector reaches an answering machine, they cannot divulge why they are calling, all they can do is leave their name and a number where they can be reached.

Although collection agencies are permitted to contact a debtor’s place of employment, they absolutely cannot get a debtor fired from their job. They are not able to make any kind of information concerning the debt public, although they can communicate openly with credit bureaus. Despite the fact that many people believe that a collection agency could legally seize a debtor’s bank account, paycheck and assets, the company cannot unless their has been a successful law suit ordering them to do so. Under no circumstances can a collection agency threaten a debtor with violence.

Although some collections agencies may attempt to practice illegal tactics to get money, there are also a large number of reputable ones. With financial issues like debt, it is always important to know your rights.

Mallory McGuinness-Hickey works for debt collection agency Rapid Recovery Solution and does free lance writing on the side.

Tags: bad credit, Collections Agency, Consumer Rights, credit, credit reports, debt, debt collection, Debts and Credits