A ringing phone or a knock on the door can leave your heart pounding when you owe money. It could be a bill collector.

Dealing with bill collectors is probably among the last thing you want to be doing, but, if you owe money, it’s often a necessary evil. While simply paying what you owe is the quickest way to rid yourself of this burden, that’s not always a possible option. Still, you can make dealing with collectors easier on yourself by trying the following:

Ignore, ignore, ignore: Ignoring a bill collector is always an option. You can not answer the phone, not answer the door, and not respond to letters. However, the old adage “ignore it and it will go away” does not apply to collection agencies. Ignoring them only allows you a temporary reprieve.

Play Games: Playing games is another way to avoid collectors, at least for the time being. For instance, you could call collection agencies back, but only during times you know they won’t be there, such as after hours or on weekends. You could also make really small payments, such as five or ten dollars, explaining that it’s all you can afford right now. These kinds of tactics will frustrate collection agencies as much as they frustrate you.

Bite the Bullet: Biting the bullet, and actually speaking with collection agencies, is often the best way to absolve the problem quickly. This method is often best served by those who are just slightly behind on their payments and who can settle the account quickly.

Request Proof: Whenever a collection agency attempts to collect debt, you have a legal right to challenge it. Even if you know the debt is valid, or at least assume it is, challenging it can still buy you time. Once you challenge the debt, the debt collectors must stop trying to collect until the debt’s validity is proven.

Negotiate: Collection agencies aren’t above negotiation. If you owe $5,000 and want to only pay $2,300, try negotiating with them. They may take this negotiation request to the original creditor and grant you your wish.  You might find that you have even more persuasion power if you offer a lump sum.

If a collection agency is unreceptive to your negotiating, try sidestepping them and going directly to the source: your creditor.

Hire a Lawyer: Hiring a lawyer can make a collection agency as nervous as they make you. This not only changes the whole collection game, but it may also deter the collection agency from pursuing you further.

Get Outside Help: If you are too busy, too intimidated, or just don’t want to deal with a collection agency, consider soliciting outside help instead. Debt negotiation and debt settlement companies are filled with people who negotiate for a living. They can not only help you reduce the amount you owe, but they can also help you learn to manage your finances better.

File for Bankruptcy: Filing for bankruptcy is one way to stop collectors from calling, but it’s not easy. It’s emotionally and financially devastating. For this reason, bankruptcy should only be used as a last resort.

No matter which way you spin it, collection agencies must be dealt with eventually. The above tactics are usually only temporary measures to buy you time and peace of mind. Ultimately, settling your debt, through an outright payment or a negotiation, is the best route to take.