They Are Doing Their Job
The first thing to remember is that a New Jersey collection agency doesn’t know you and they don’t know your situation. All they know is that you have a debt and that it’s their job to collect it. It’s easy to think that they don’t like you and are out to get you, but that usually isn’t the case. If you can remember that the person on the other end of the phone line is trying to get his or her job done, you will have a much easier time talking to them in a respectful way that helps you solve the problem together.
Ask For It in Writing
You can set up a payment plan to pay off debt on the phone, but if that makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for the information in writing before you ever mail a check. There is nothing wrong with wanting all the details before you hand over any of your hard-earned money. If you remember to use a kind and respectful tone of voice, the debt collector is much more likely to be willing to help you out.
Keep Notes
There are laws that protect you as the debtor, so be sure you are keeping careful track of every correspondence you have with the collection agency. They are doing the same, and having this trail protects you as well as the debt collector. A notebook is an easy way to keep all of the information contained in one handy place should the need arise to look back and find a certain bit of information.
Stay Firm
You can be respectful to the New Jersey collection agency, and in fact this is vital, but you also need to be firm. You have rights and you can request that they be followed. That includes not being harassed at work, not being called early in the morning or late at night, not being threatened with legal action, and not being threatened with wage garnishment. As mentioned above, a debt collector is doing his or her job, but you are not a criminal and don’t deserve to be treated like one. Most collection agencies are good about following the legal guidelines, but you may occasionally run into an employee who takes it too far.
Be Willing to Make a Deal
As the debtor, you have a big portion of the power. Negotiate with the debt collector to pay 70 to 75 percent of the debt, or agree to pay in full if the negative information is immediately removed from your credit report. Remember to stay respectful and you can likely come to a deal that everyone is happy with.
Being in debt is never a fun thing, but it doesn’t make you a bad person or give others the right to threaten you. Staying calm and positive should help you come to a peaceful and satisfying resolution to your debt.
