ACA International Provides Guidance on What to Do When a Debt Collector Calls You

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Many Americans experience the challenge of dealing with a past-due bill or unpaid debt at one time or another. In fact, 40 percent of all American families spend more than they earn each year. When debts pile up they can seem overwhelming, but there are a few important steps all Americans can take to deal responsibly with debt.

“Dealing with past-due debts is stressful, but almost all Americans have unpaid bills some time in their lives,” said Gary Rippentrop, CEO of ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals. “When called about an unpaid bill, the most important thing for a person to do is communicate, not panic. If you are having financial challenges, talk with the collector and work out a payment plan that you can manage.”