As we are dealing with these unprecedented and trying times, many people are being faced with great financial uncertainty. In this edition of our guide for consumers struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic series, we look at what people need to know and be aware of if they are being contacted by collectors.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is encouraging debt collectors to work with consumers. They are also expecting debt collectors to help in any way possible in accommodating people due to any possible hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This help and accommodation includes suspending collection activity for at least 60 days.
If you are having trouble making existing payments to a debt collector and/or cannot pay a debt due to the COVID-19 crisis, you will need to notify your debt collectors immediately. You have protection(s) under federal and state laws, and you should also be made aware of all of your rights.
These rights include the following:
- Collectors cannot call you at places and/or times that are known to be inconvenient.
- Collectors must tell you the absolute and complete truth in regards to the amount of their debt.
- Collectors cannot use any kind of misleading and/or deceptive information and/or tactics to collect a debt from you.
If you or anyone you know is having any type of trouble with a debt collector, you can always file a complaint, and you are encouraged to contact the following: