How to Handle Phone Calls

you could send then a cease and desist letter that would make them stop calling, however not sure if that works against or for you in the case of settlement?, maybe someone else knows about that.

If it is the OC the letter will not apply. What I did was turn the ringer off on the phone and turn down the volume and let the machine pick it up. This way you can talk to them when you are ready. How far along are you since you stopped making payments.

I gave them my cell and talked to them if they called while I was driving somewhere alone. Otherwise I would ignore them. By doing so they seem to be more willing to talk settlement and rarely was anyone rude.

I am currently 60 days late. Husband talks to them some of the time. They are normally very helpful. BOA told us last night if we wait another month or so they are pretty much willing to take anything. Tried to get us on the payment plan but we were told even if you pay the payment you are not guaranteed to be accepted into the program so it just brings your account current and you start all over again. I guess I just don't know how to handle it and I'm afraid I will say something that will hurt my case since all this debt is directly related to a small business we started which has since failed. Thanks for all the input!

You should not be afraid of the creditors, they are going to keep calling and calling anyway. Do not sound like your scared. I would answer and keep telling them that your in a financial hardship and you are in a program to help you solve this issue.

I would not tell them you are in a program. Some creditors don't like the idea of paying lots of money to someone else to settle your account. Do not send in small payments, do not answer the phone, maybe once a month and when you do just repeat your sad story. They will play a mental game with you and when you think that they are finished, they will transfer you to a hardship specialist and you will have to start all over again, answering the same questions. I found if you don't talk to them, they are not sure what is going on, so they keep trying to get you on the phone to find out. If you talk to them and don't agree to pay anything at the end of the call they will say the phone calls will continue. If answering the phone does not stop the the calls then why do it.

I found it was better not to talk to them . Let the voice mail or answering machine pick up the calls. Have caller ID. I am not advocating not paying bills but there are times when it becomes impossible, like when illness strikes and the insurance does not come through or when one suffers a job loss.:)