Are those credit card debt collection calls a scam or legitimate?

Credit cards can be considered a blessing and a curse depending on the situation. Some Tennessee residents may value having a card when they may need a little extra time to pay off an expense, and others may dread getting their bill each month due to having accumulated a considerable amount of credit card debt. For those in the latter group, collection calls may also be a worry.

Debt collectors can seem adamant about collecting on a debt. However, it is important for consumers to ensure that they are not being scammed. It can be difficult to know the difference between a legitimate call and a scam call, especially for those who receive collection calls regularly. Still, consumers have certain rights when it comes to the information that collectors must provide, so if a caller will not give information about who the creditor is or the name of the collection agency, demands immediate payment or asks for sensitive personal information over the phone, it may be a scam.

If individuals want to ensure that a collection attempt is valid, they may want to request a written notice. Consumers have a right to receive this notice, which can provide information about the debt and the actions that will be taken with it. Having a written notice can further prove the validity of the debt, but consumers still have the right to dispute any debt that they believe is not valid.

Handling credit card debt is not always easy. Some fortunate parties may be able to set up a budget and work to pay off their balances themselves, but others may face more difficult financial circumstances. For Tennessee residents hoping to take major strides in addressing their debt burdens, looking into bankruptcy may be a realistic course of action.