The telephone rings, and you check the caller ID to see who it is before you answer. You see that it is a collection company, and you ignore the call, letting it go to voice mail. Are you doing the right thing by avoiding those calls? Not really, but there is a way to put a stop to those calls and avoid paying back a large percentage of any unsecured debt that you have. These are two separate issues, for the most part, and we will examine both.

First, take the next call that comes from a collection agency. Normally, they will try to control the conversation, make threats, and try to get you to agree to make payments that you cannot possibly make. You need to cut them off, and take control of the conversation yourself. Ask for the collector's name, the name of the collection agency, the name of the creditor, the amount that is owed, and the address of the collection agency. Let them know that you will be in touch, in writing, and hang up. Do not answer any questions, and do not let the call continue after you get this information.

Next, write the collection company a letter. Tell them that you want proof of the debt in writing, and also state that you will not communicate with them over the telephone in the future. Tell them not to call your home or your place of business again. Send this letter to them by certified mail, so that they have to sign for it. This gives you proof that they received the letter. Of course, you will want a copy of that letter for your own records. If they call again, let them know that you will be suing them for harassment, as you requested that they not call you again, and you can prove that they received that request. They can be charged about $2500 per incident.

Next, use the services of a debt relief company to resolve your unsecured debt. This will put an end to almost all of the collection calls and letters that you receive, as you will no longer owe the debt once you settle.