Dealing with debt collectors

1 Never avoid the phone calls. While answering a collector's call can be stressful, avoidance will only make the matter worse. Refusing to pick up calls will make them aggressive and could result in drastic measures.

2 Stay calm. When you answer the calls, take deep breaths and don't get emotional. Never mistreat, curse or scream at the collector because this behaviour will only inflame the situation.

3 Ask questions. Debt collectors are used to clients being defensive, so this tactic will place them off guard. It will also demonstrate that you are concerned about your responsibilities, and you may in fact learn something valuable.

4 Negotiate. Collectors typically hold the accounts for six months before it is sent to the legal department. You may have more success making an arrangement in the first month or two after the collector contacts you. The longer you wait, the harder they will be.

5 Say no more. While it's a good idea to ask questions, be careful that you don't reveal too much information. It may be possible to glean specifics about your family or home from an innocent comment. Stick to the facts of what you owe.

With information courtesy of International Swiss Debt Management