When it comes to collecting debt, there are two ways of thinking. The first is that people who are in debt is wrong, is that collectors are a necessary work, and that consumers should shut up and pay their bills. The second is that all debt collectors are groundfish who enjoy humiliating consumers who found themselves in an untenable position. Like most things in life, is the “truth” neither black nor white, the truth is in the gray area, somewhere in the middle.

The truth about those who receive the debt is that sometimes the debt is the result of conscious choices and sometimes the result of circumstances. Some people are spending too much, buying the latest toys, fashion and furniture, giving a bit of thought to how they will pay for it. But most people have good intentions and then life throws them a curve ball. Millions of people lost their jobs over the past three years. Most bankruptcies occur as a result of the astronomical medical expenses due to unexpected health emergency.

The truth about debt collectors is that many people who are standing treat consumers with respect and dignity. Many others, however, put in an untenable position where they are expected to meet quotas or be spoken or unspoken message to do what it takes to get every penny possible to use.

The same applies to collection agencies. Most agencies are honest, sincere attempt to work with consumers to develop a payment plan that all can live and be merciful to unexpected complications, a muddy good intentions. Other agencies are the take-no-prisoners culture where the consumer is assumed to be beaten to death, and collection agencies have been given free hand to threaten, cajole, and harass consumers.

When dealing with a debt collection company, a consumer may not know which side it belongs. This is why it is important to take precautions and protect themselves – and understand the provisions of the federal Fair Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). It’s the law that protects you as a consumer, abuse recovery. If you’re on the receiving end of debt collection calls or letters, here are three things you should always:

First Keep a written record of each call. Note the time and day of the call, the name of the person who rang the company they work for, and what was said in the interview. The FDCPA specifically outlines when a debt collector can call how it can be represented and what he can not say.

2. Keep all correspondence. Maintain a point of collection, including the envelope and write the date you got it. FDCPA, and subsequent case law outlining what is acceptable and not acceptable when it comes to written correspondence with a collection agency and the consumer.

Contact a third lawyer fair debt. If you feel harassed or embarrassed by a debt collection agency, to talk to a lawyer fair debt. A lawyer fair debt can not tell if a debt collector has crossed the line into illegal behavior. If so, the lawyer can represent you in a lawsuit against the agency. Because the FDCPA specifies that if a collection agency is found to violate the FDCPA, you may have to pay your legal fees, your lawyer fair debt does not make you pay for representation.