Dealing With Collection Agencies FAQ

Questions:

• Should I deal with debt collectors or try to avoid them?
• Collection agencies have been calling me all hours of the day and night. How can I get them to stop contacting me?
• The collections department of a local merchant is harassing me. Can I do anything about it?
• A bill collector insisted that I wire the money I owe through Western Union. Am I required to do so?
• Can a collection agency add interest to my debt?
• A collection agency sued me and won. What collection measures can it now take against me?

Answer:

Can a collection agency add interest to my debt?

Yes. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) allows a collector to add interest if your original agreement calls for the addition of interest during collection proceedings or the addition of such interest is allowed under state law. Every state authorizes the collection of interest, although the maximum amount allowed varies.