FAIR DEBT COLLECTION

     Recently, I had been receiving phone calls to my cell phone from a collection agency for a medical provider where I had medical care.  When I had received the bill from this provider, an anesthesiologist, I had immediately called their office to explain what I thought was a billing error and asked them to correct it.  They advise me they would look into the issue and call me.  The next thing I heard from them was the phone call from the collection agency.  This call was bothersome especially in light of the fact that it was the anesthesiologist that had indeed made a billing mistake.  When I spoke with the collection agency, they advised me that they had been forwarded the bill for collection.  I told them of my problem with the billing and they said they would inquire. I then called the office of the anesthesiologist, who confirmed that I had called in the past, and confirmed that they were indeed revising the bill as I had requested because they had made a mistake. 

     This experience made me think about all of the people who have issues or problems with collection of bills, including collectors calling your home, your cell, and even your work – not to mention the possible effect the collection attempts could have on your credit score.  So exactly what can creditors and bill collectors do and not do in an effort to collect a debt, and what are the rights are of the “debtor” – especially in a situation where the debt really is not owed and there has been a mistake by the creditor?

     I have obtained a pamphlet, prepared by the Federal Trade Commission of the United States government that deals with Debt Collection.  This pamphlet is just eight small pages and explains the rights of persons who are being contacted by debt collectors.  It is not complex and explains the issues in an easy-to-read format.  If you call my office in Orland Park at 708-633-6005, we will be happy to mail you a pamphlet.  We will not otherwise contact you, nor will we put you on any mailing list – we will simply send you the pamphlet.  So if you would like a copy, please feel free to call us.

     Certainly, many attempts to collect debts are valid, but it is important that debt collectors follow the law, and it is equally important that you know your rights regarding debt collection.