How Do You Stop Debt Collector Harassment?
Are relentless phone calls from debt collectors disrupting your peace of mind? Do you feel trapped by their abusive tactics and constant harassment?
There is a way to fight back. Endless calls, threats of violence, or using obscene language are more than unethical. They are illegal.
Imagine a life without the fear of answering your phone! Moreover, picture holding debt collectors accountable for claiming you owe more than you do or pretending to be attorneys.
Discover how to turn the tables on these aggressive tactics by finding legal help today.
Debt Collector Harassment
Harassment can happen in many ways, but it boils down to debt collectors oppressing, abusing, or harassing you. An experienced attorney can help you identify your options if some of these examples apply to your situation:
- Calling you without letting you know who they are or what they want
- Repetitive phone calls to annoy or abuse debtors
- Threats of violence or any harm
- Publishing lists on a public forum of people who have not paid their debts
- Using obscene language when in contact with you
Misrepresentations
Misrepresentations refer to making false claims or accusations using deceptive tactics. See some examples of this below:
- The amount of money you owe
- False threats saying they will have you arrested
- Saying they are an attorney if they aren’t one
- Threats to do something that the debt collector does not intend to do
- Threats to take actions that are not within the confines of the law
If you think a debt collector may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney who understands debt collector law.
Who Are Debt Collectors?
Most people don’t know what a debt collector is until they have one calling them incessantly. So, who are debt collectors? Who do they work for?
Collectors come from a debt collection agency that works with creditors with outstanding debts. This company then assigns an employee to your case whose performance evaluations depend on collecting money from you.
What Should You Do?
Many people feel helpless or out of options when they face debt collector harassment. Use the steps below to reclaim your power and exercise your consumer rights.
Step 1: Know Your Rights
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) applies if you think a debt collector is harassing you.
The FDCPA took effect in 1978 to protect consumers from collection agencies. Victims can sue companies if they violate the harassment or misrepresentation rules.
Step 2: Collect Records
Gathering evidence of the harassment is crucial. For example, collect phone records and document the content of the phone conversations or messages. Having proof is necessary if you choose to take legal action.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
It’s easy to get angry and lash out against abuse or harassment from a debt collector. Unfortunately, this can cause you to say or do something detrimental to your case.
Instead, try to remain calm and make all your actions deliberate and well-thought-out. Not only will this be better for keeping your stress levels low, but it will prove helpful if you go to court. You can show that you were respectful and calm while the debt collector was abusive.
Step 4: Ask for Debt Verification
If you’re getting constant phone calls about what you owe, ask for debt verification. Making this request does more than show if they have misrepresented your obligation. The agency must also stop contacting you until they provide the information.
Debt verification should show the amount of debt you owe and the creditor. Then, you have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt.
You can use this time wisely by finding an attorney to decide on the next steps. If you don’t refute the balance due, the creditor will assume the debt is valid, and the harassment may continue.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney
If you’re the victim of debt collector harassment, it’s time to stand up and fight back. You deserve to live a life free from abusive and repetitive phone calls. An attorney who understands debt collection laws can help make this possible.
Step 6: Present Your Case
Many attorneys arrange to work on debt collector harassment cases on contingency. This agreement means you do not pay their fees unless they win in court or negotiate a settlement. This deal drastically reduces the financial risks of standing up to agencies that break the law.
You can use the money for any purpose if you win the case. You are free to boost your savings or pay outstanding debts.
Work With an Experienced Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
It’s time to end debt collector harassment so you can move forward with life. Legal assistance can help you to navigate these complex laws and defend yourself in court, if necessary.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to consult with a local attorney!
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