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threat made, a rude or harassing comment received, or an explanation given you that may show improprieties in the handling of your dispute or your payments).
7 . Clarify payments . If you negotiate a repayment plan over the phone, ask the representative to send you the terms of the plan in writ- ing. You may also write a letter that explains your understanding of the negotiated repayment plan. Payments made to a debt collector when multiple debts are involved should clearly specify to which debt the payment is to be applied. It is possible to dispute one debt, but agree to pay another. Also, any promise to remove or adjust reports in your credit history should be documented for later enforcement.
8 . Pay the proper party . Payments should be made to the debt collec- tor and not the original creditor unless you are expressly instructed to pay the creditor directly. In this case, you should confirm such instruc- tion in writing to both the creditor and the debt collector.
9 . Don’t be coerced . Never pay a bill you don’t owe just to get the col- lector to “go away.” Any payment of the debt is considered an acknowl- edgement that you are responsible. Even if you pay, that will not erase a negative entry on your credit report.
10 . Examine balances, interest charges, and other fees and charges .
Carefully review the amount you are being asked to pay. You should ask the collector to tell you the amount of the original debt as well as give you a breakdown of any interest, fees, or charges that have been added. Federal law prevents a debt collector from charging you any more than the amount you actually owe, if not permitted by the laws of your state or the terms of the original agreement with the creditor.
11 . Complain about abusive collection practices . Under the federal FDCPA, a collector is not allowed to make idle threats, expressed or implied (for example, “We must get your payment no later than the day after tomorrow”), or use abusive or profane language. A collector should not discuss your account with third parties or use the phone to harass you.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act