Don’t fear debt collectors when you are under debt review
Don’t fear debt collectors when you are under debt review
Debt collectors can be scary. Some of them can be downright intimidating and have you shaking in your boots, and have you hide in fear. Lucky for you, if you are under debt review with a registered debt counsellor– that does not have to be the case. Your DC will be your point of call for any enquiries from creditor and debt collectors.
Do not be harassed into leaving the process of debt review because of scare tactics. If you have already made payments – leaving the process before your debt is paid up – would be like cutting your nose to spite your face. Debt collectors are governed by certain rules and regulations too. It will stand you in good stead to know what your rights are when contacted by a debt collector.
Common complaints about debt collectors include the use of force and intimidation, with some going as far as making physical threats. This is illegal and you can lay a criminal charge against a debt collector who does this. Debt collectors are also not allowed to impersonate court officials, sheriffs of the court or police officers in order to gain access to your property. All debt collectors need to be registered with the Debt Collectors Council of South Africa, and they may not charge more fees than what is set down by them. These fees include the capital amount, interest, administration fee and expenses.
As a consumer it is your right to request a statement of your account, showing all amounts owing as well as how it was calculated to get the final requested amount. If a debt collector refuses to give you this, you have the right to complain to the Debt Collectors Council of South Africa. A debt collector is also prohibited from trying to recoup monies on a debt which has prescribed.
Debt collectors may also not:
- Call you on a Sunday or a public holiday
- Contact you before 8am or after 9pm – unless you have specifically given them permission to do so
- Contact you at work if it goes against company policy
- Engage with your employer/ HR department about your debt – unless the debt relates to unpaid child maintenance.
- Get in touch with your relatives or friends and disclose information about your debt owing.
NDA is South Africa’s leading debt counselling company. We have helped thousands of South Africans become debt free. Trust us to do the same for you. There is no reason for you to be scrambling for explanations and answers when debt collectors call. We have all the information they could need at our fingertips. Send them to us. Do not let the harassment of debt collectors throw you off course. If you are an NDA client, the next time a debt collector calls you – calmly give them our details and say “Don’t deal with me – deal with my DC”
Relax. Don’t panic. We’ve got you.