When you do take their calls, stay calm and reassure them you’re working on a plan that ensures the debt will be taken care of. 

While you don’t have to answer creditor calls, you may find yourself on the line with a creditors or debts collectors and it is important that you know how to handle these calls.

Less is more:

• You don’t have to answer every question a creditor asks. Keep the conversation short and simply tell them:
• You’re experiencing a hardship
• You can’t pay at this time, but you intend to pay when you can (don’t specify when)
• Don’t negotiate with them—our experts will handle that for you!

Don’t give too much information:

• Never give them any of your financial or banking information
• Don’t give them information about your income

What NOT to say:

You should never say anything to a creditor that could make them think you are refusing to pay. For example:

• Don’t say you refuse to pay them
• Don’t say when you’ll pay them
• Don’t tell them to stop calling you

Say this instead:

• “I have a hardship but intend to pay as soon as I can.”
• “Your calls are causing me extreme stress.”
• “Don’t call me at work.”
• “Update your records to note that I want to pay, but just can’t pay now.”
• “I’m planning on making sure you get paid. Put that in your notes.”