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12 . Military members should make an appointment with the local Judge Advocate General’s office if contacted by a collector . The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) provides protections for military members whose financial life is affected by military service. Visit the Department of Army’s web site for information on how the SSCRA applies to military members, htpp://usmilitary.about.com/od/ sscra/l/blsscra.htm.
13 . Don't ignore a collector even if the debt is not yours . It is in your best interest to respond to a collector immediately. Delay can mean the collector will continue to contact you. The collector may even file a lawsuit and get a judgment against you. The result can cost you more time and trouble in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions about Debt Collection Practices
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that debt collectors treat you fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection. Of course, the law does not erase any legitimate debt you owe. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides answers to the most commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:
What debts are covered? Personal, family, and household debts are covered under the Act. This includes money owed for the purchase of an automobile, for medical care, or for charge accounts.
Who is a debt collector? A debt collector is any person who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis.
How may a debt collector contact me? A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or fax. However, a debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 17