First things first
Prioritize your bills.
No matter what a debt collector says, an unpaid credit card bill is not the most important bill you have to pay this month. Providing necessities for your family comes first.
Avoid sending postdated checks to a debt collector or agreeing to automatic electronic payments from your checking account.
Don't tell them your life story.
Control the information flow
Keep private information private.
Don't give a debt collector personal information such as where you work, where you bank or your checking account number.
Stay calm and focused.
No matter what a debt collector says, keep your cool and stay focused on the negotiation.
Tape the call if you can.
Flicking on a tape recorder is a great way to keep a debt collector in line. Plus, you get a record of the call.
Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia allow you to secretly tape your phone conversations.in the other 15 states, you can tape with the other party's permission. And if you tell the debt collector you are going to tape and he or she keeps talking, that's considered giving permission.
Take notes.
File all collection letters and keep detailed notes of collection calls. Note the day and time of each call, the name of the collection agency, the first and last name of the caller and what was said.
"Make sure there's a record, " If you've made a deal with them, get proof."
Get proof of payment agreement in writing.
"Get it in writing, " says Jerry Jarzombek, a consumer attorney in Fort Worth, Texas. "If they told you half of it satisfies the obligation and that's what you want to do, have it in writing."
Send a letter to the debt collector outlining the payment agreement. You'll want to send this letter via certified mail so you'll receive a receipt once the letter is delivered. Keep a copy for your records.
If you plan to pay by check, add the following disclaimer: "Cashing this check constitutes payment in full." Write this right on the check.
Debt Collection Practices:
When Hardball Tactics Go Too Far
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs27-debtcoll.htm
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