What happens if you owe money and a collection agency is on your back?
Do they have the power to contact other people or institutions in your life?
Specifically, will a collection agency be able to call your work or employer?
The short answer to this question is yes, a collection agency can call your work.
There are no laws stopping them from doing this, so you should be aware of it.
Below, we’ve compiled some key information you should know about debt collectors and contacting your employer.
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What can a collection agency do when contacting your work?
As you can expect, you have certain rights when dealing with collection agencies.
Primarily, there are specific things a debt collector can’t do when they get in touch with your work.
This includes the following:
- They cannot make suggestions to your employer that you need to pay your debts;
- They can’t make threats against you or the company you work for, in a bid to intimidate you into paying your debts;
- They are not allowed to misrepresent your situation to your employers.
So, what can they do?
Effectively, they’re able to contact your employer to confirm your employment.
Why is this necessary?
Because they’re interested in the garnishment of employee’s wages.
This process involves taking your wages to pay off your debts.
It’s a court procedure, and they obviously need to know where you work to start setting the wheels in motion.
They can also discuss the situation with your employer, letting them know that you’d in debt.
However, many debt collectors avoid doing this as it can be interpreted as them putting extra pressure on you or influencing your employer to take action.
In fact, it’s common for a collection agency to suggest that they will call your employers if your debts don’t improve soon.
This is known to encourage people to make more of an effort to pay debts as they don’t want to be embarrassed at work.
What should you do when debt collectors call your employer?
There’s not much you can do other than pay off your debts as quickly as possible.
Or, at least show that you’re making an active effort to give them money.
Collection agencies aren’t going to stop until they get the money they’re owed.
Contacting your work will mean they’re escalating their efforts and may take legal action to get your money.
So, it’s important to explore the different debt-relief options available to you:
- Debt restructuring;
- Debt consolidation loans;
- Credit counselling;
- Debt management plans;
- Consumer proposals;
- Bankruptcy.
Do whatever you can to show a willingness to pay off your debts.
This will keep the collection agency off your back and prevent them from calling your work or taking drastic measures.
In essence, you should see this as a warning sign to take action.
After all, if you don’t, they will.
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