With massive layoffs and only a few job openings each month, many Americans are struggling with debt. Aggressive collection calls add to the stress. Did you know that there is a way to stop debt collectors? Have them verify the debt.

Some collectors would call you every day. It’s distressing because the conversation is repetitive. He tells you your account is delinquent and you tell him you can’t pay (probably because you lost your job or spent too much on medical bills). Whatever it is, the debt collector continues to tell you that he will continue collection efforts. You can ask him to stop calling you and tell him that you will write him a certified letter. The calls can continue until they have received the letter.

You can ask the collector to stop calling you in your next conversation, but writing a letter to the debt collection agency is the sure way to stop calls. In your letter, ask the collection agency to verify the debt and to stop calling you unless they have already verified it. It will usually take a long time for them to verify the debt. Sometimes it is impossible for them to do so.

Many debts are transferred to third-party collection agencies by assignment or purchase. With the assignment, the original creditor hires them only to collect but the debt remains with the original creditor. With the purchase, you now own the collection agency. Whatever the case, you don’t know the collector simply because he borrowed money from another agency or business. No one in their right mind will give a large amount of money to someone they just met, right? In fact, a verification of the debt is needed.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you the right to ask debt collection agencies to verify the debt and show that they are collecting for the original creditor. Evidence may include a printout of the debt transfer or purchase where your account is included in the lot. Beware of collection agencies that send only a cover letter showing a page signed by the original creditor and the collection agency indicating the purchase of the debt. Look for the list of sold debt account name and number.

The FDCPA also gives third-party collection agencies time to verify debts. They must send the verification letter within five days. You should include important details like the name of the original creditor and the amount of your debt. You can dispute your verification letter within 30 days and provide the collection agency with proof that it is your debt. They do not have a deadline for this and their collectors may still contact you unless you formally ask them to stop telephone communications via certified mail, return receipt requested. Evidence should include proof that the collection agency has your debt, a history of your payment, and a copy of your original contract (the one you have with the original creditor).