What are My Options?

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING CALLS FROM DEBT BUYERS/DEBT COLLECTORS TRYING TO COLLECT ON A DEBT:

1. Record calls from known debt collection numbers.
2. You do not have to tell them you are recording them because Oklahoma is a "one party state"; which means that as long as one party to the conversation knows the recording is occurring you have violated no law.This will often provide evidence of a debt collectors mis-statements of fact and their insulting verbal assaults.If you cannot record the calls, make notes of the date, content, time, identification of the caller.
3. Make a note of the date of the first call you receive regarding a particular debt; debt collectors must send a written notice within 5 days of that first call to you on any particular debt;
4. Do not give a debt collector permission to call you on your cellular telephone.  If they are calling you at work state to them, in the presence of a witness, that you may not receive personal calls at work.
5. State that you are disputing the debt and request written validation of it and proof of the caller's right to collect it.
6. Guard your financial information closely. Never give out your bank card, credit card, social security number or financial information unless you initiated the transaction and you trust the merchant.
7. Avoid Pressure to act immediately ("offer valid for 24 hours only")
8. Even if you did have a credit card debt similar to the one being called upon, do not admit that you owe the debt to the caller and make no agreement to provide a payment on the telephone; instead request that they send you a written debt validation and you will forward payment after receiving the Validation Notice and discussing with DefendMyDebt.
9. Once you have identified the name and address of the collection company/debt buyer or caller, send a Cease and Desist Letter, via certified mail, to stop the calls.

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING LETTERS FROM A LAW FIRM TRYING TO COLLECT ON A DEBT:

The above 8 tips apply to law firms since they are subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act also and are considered debt collectors.

IN ADDITION:

1. Save all letters and the envelopes they came in regarding debt collection activities from law firms;
2. Within 30 days of receiving a debt collection letter send a letter to the collector, Certified Mail, disputing that you owe the debt and request debt validation-save a copy of the letter and the green card. 
   NOTE:All Debt Collectors and Attorneys are obligated to stop all collection activity until they provide you this requested written Debt Validation.

IMPORTANT:  IF YOU HAVE BEEN SUED, OR A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN THREATENED, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DefendMyDebt™  RIGHT NOW by calling 405-703-3648