Successful Debt Collection Strategies-
Being The Good Cop

by Shawn S
(Elk Grove CA)

There are many debt collection strategies that if properly implemented can lead to a successful resolution of an outstanding account. One of my favorite approaches is to be the good cop.

This debt collection strategy centers around letting the account holder know that you are making a courtesy call, to inform them that their account is delinquent. Maybe they didn't know.

Ask them if there is anything you can do to assist them. Do they need help rounding up specific paperwork or receipts? Do they need a new copy of the debt paperwork? Is the amount unrealistic? Perhaps a payment plan can help them come to grips with their debt.

The key to this debt collection strategy is to let them know that this is the level at which the issues to be resolved. That when you are done, if it's not settled in some sort of fashion, that it has to go to ominous next level, where the REAL collections start at which point their lives can get very uncomfortable.

Make them feel like they need to work with you, because the alternatives will not be nearly as pretty. If they feel like you are on their side, they may loosen up and give you information that can make future debt collection attempts easier and more successful.