Debt Collector Harassment in Colorado Springs, CO
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Colorado Springs, Colorado there are two things to consider when thinking about debt collection: harassment and misrepresentation. The presence of either of these things constitutes debt collector harassment and may require you to take legal action against the collector.
Debt Collector Harassment in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Stop Fraud Colorado lists the types of debt collector harassment you might experience in Colorado Springs, including:
- The use of profane or obscene language
- Sharing debt information with third parties, such as employers
- Calling between 9:00pm and 8:00am
- Calling continuously with intent to harass
- Publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts
If you are a victim of any of these examples of harassment, you may have a right to sue the debt collector for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). An experienced Colorado Springs attorney can help you identify your options and build a strong case.
Misrepresentations
Misrepresentations by a debt collector refer to someone making false claims or accusations or using false, deceptive, or misleading practices. This also includes misrepresenting any debt you may have. See some examples of this and other Illegal Debt Collection Practices 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 has no intention of doing
- Threats to take actions that are not within the confines of the law
If you think any Colorado Springs, CO debt collectors may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney that understands debt collector law.
Who Are Debt Collectors?
Most people don’t know what a debt collector is until they have one incessantly calling them about paying off debt. So, who are debt collectors? Who do they work for?
Collectors come from a debt collection agency that works with creditors who are owed debts. If you have outstanding debt in Colorado Springs such as credit debt, unpaid loans, and personal loans, your creditor may contact a debt collection agency. This agency then assigns a debt collector to your case.
Colorado’s Attorney General provides a disciplinary history of the collection agencies licensed by the State of Colorado. Some of the debt collectors operating in Colorado Springs include:
- A-1 Collections Inc
- AAA Collectors Inc
- Beam Financial Services Inc
- Colorado credit Agency Inc
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Colorado Springs, Colorado?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Colorado Springs debt collectors are harassing you, then it’s important to become familiar with the Basics of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA was passed in 1977 to protect consumers from collection agencies. If a debt collector violates any of the harassment or misrepresentation rules, the victim has a right to sue the collector for violation of the FDCPA.
Step 2: Collect Records
Have you been harassed in Colorado Springs, CO by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
If you are being harassed by a debt collector in Colorado Springs, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends documenting all correspondence. Specifically, you should save letters, envelopes, voicemail messages, text messages and emails. As well, you should always log the caller’s name and employee ID, the company name and address, and the time of call. If you can’t take notes, you may be able to record calls, since Colorado is a one-party consent state. However, you will need to confirm that the debt collector is calling from within Colorado.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Colorado Springs debt collector, it’s easy to get angry and act impulsively. 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 the one using abusive language.
Step 4: Ask for Debt Verification
If you’re constantly getting phone calls from Colorado Springs, CO debt collectors harassing you about what you owe, you need to ask for debt verification. Not only will this show whether or not they are misrepresenting your debt, but the debt collector must also stop contacting you until they provide the information you requested. Debt verification should show the amount of debt you owe and the name of the creditor. You have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt. If you don’t dispute the debt, the creditor will assume the debt is valid.
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. Colorado Springs attorneys that understand What to Expect When Suing for Debt Collection Harassment, and local debt collection laws, can help you make this possible. If the debt collector threatens to or does take legal action regarding your outstanding debts, working with an attorney becomes even more important.
Step 6: Present Your Case
By hiring an experienced Colorado Springs, CO debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
If you live in Colorado Springs, you may begin a lawsuit in the 4th Judicial District Court. However, you might also have the option of filing in US District Court, District of Colorado. Choosing where to file can be tricky, so it can be advisable to consult with a Colorado Springs attorney. Keep in mind, the statute of limitations for a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is one year. This means you only have one year from the time the harassment occurred to sue for damages. According to the Federal Trade Commission you could be awarded for damages such as lost wages and medical bills. Even if you can’t prove damages, you could still receive up to $1,000 and be reimbursed for attorney fees and court costs.
Work With an Experienced Colorado Springs, Colorado Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Colorado Springs, CO it’s time to put an end to it so you can move forward with life. There are laws in place to protect consumers from debt collectors. Legal assistance can help you to navigate these complex laws and defend yourself in court, if necessary.
Are you ready to find a debt collector attorney near you so you can finally fight back against the harassment? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Colorado state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
