Some Debts for Which You May Have No Legal Obligation
When dealing with credit card issuers, and debt management, it is a
positive thing to realize that there might be some debts you are not
legally obligated to pay. Card companies do not like items like this
coming up in discussion but there is a real category of
debt advice here that often is overlooked! When you are up against it trying to manage your debt and there seems little recourse but bankruptcy, then it is time to look for debts you are not obligated to pay. The laws may differ slightly from country to country but for credit card holders here are some tips:
First, keep track of any illegal finance charges. Credit card issuers must
send the bill at least 14 days (this may vary) before the interest is due.
If the bill is late, stay on top of the issuer. Contact them immediately
and see if you can have the charge rolled back. Also, if the bill is due
on a certain date, make sure there is no alternative "late date" -- in
other words, if the bill is due on the 19th of the month, and you've sent
it in plenty of time, make sure they are not charging late fees as of the
day the statement is printed, which may be earlier in the cycle.
Second, examine all charges. You have no legal obligation to pay for
merchandise you may not have received, merchandise that is not up to
quality or performance, or merchandise falsely sold to you.
Third, in the case where your card was stolen, find out from your creditor
if there is a limit on what you can be charged when you notify them within
30 days of the theft. Much of that information will be in the small print
that comes with your card agreement, which most people do not read. Always
keep that information, you or your attorney may have cause to use it. Know
your rights with respect to your card, and make sure you stay aware of how
to handle going about getting refunds for accidental overpayments. Every
penny counts when it comes to your debts.
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Card companies do not like items like this
coming up in discussion but there is a real category of
debt advice here that often is overlooked! When you are up against it trying to
manage your debts and there seems little recourse but bankruptcy, then it is time to look for debts you are not obligated to pay. The laws may differ slightly from country to country
