Iowa Debt Collection

It is not hard for Iowa residents to have difficulty paying debts. At one time or another, almost everyone has faced the efforts of creditors or collection agencies to collect by mailing notices, making phone calls and even taking legal action. In Iowa, there are certain legal protections which may help you.

1. Debt collectors may threaten garnishment. They can't, however, actually garnish your wages without first suing you and winning in court.
   
   
2. Debt collectors cannot threaten to contact, or actually contact, your employer, relatives, or friends about your debt except in very limited circumstances such as confirming your employment or address. A Debt collector may not tell your family members or co-workers about your debts.
   
   
3. You can stop calls to your home by writing a letter that clearly tells creditors and debt collectors not to call and why. It can include information such as that the calls could jeopardize your job, or that repeated calls are harassing you. The letter can also tell the debt collectors how they should reach you, such as only contacting you by mail, at your home address. Send the letter certified mail and keep a copy for your records.
   
   
4. When the collector does call or write according to your instructions, it is important for you to respond. it is always important to keep documentation of contacts and for that reason it's recommended that you deal with collectors in writing rather than by phone. By doing this, any agreement for payment is in writing and you have a copy.