Debt Collector Harassment in Denver, CO
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Denver, 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 Denver, Colorado
Colorado has enacted its own Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which is similar to the federal laws governing debt collection. Under both laws, Denver residents are protected from harassment by debt collection agencies. Some of the prohibitions include:
- Threatening violence or harm to reputation or property
- Using obscene or profane language
- Calling repeatedly and continuously, with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass
- Falsely implying a connection to the government or a credit reporting agency
- Calling before 8 am or after 9 pm
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 Denver 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 Denver, 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 Denver 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.
Debt collection agencies in Colorado must be licensed by the state. The attorney general’s office maintains a list of licensed collection agencies. Some of the companies operating around Denver include AA Recovery Solutions, Accenture Solutions, and D&M Adjustment.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Denver, Colorado?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Denver 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 Denver, CO by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
Stop Fraud Colorado provides comprehensive advice for documenting your interactions with a debt collection agency. Some of their suggestions for Denver residents include:
- Get the name, company, address, and phone number of the caller
- Write down the date, time, and content of the conversation
- Keep copies of all documents and correspondence
- Send all letters by certified mail
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Denver 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 Denver, 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. Denver 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 Denver, CO debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office is responsible for investigating violations of debt collection laws. You can file a complaint through their website. If you decide to sue the collection agency directly, you must do so within one year of their illegal actions. A Denver attorney can help you decide where to sue, as you may have a choice between state and federal court. Your case will likely be filed in either U.S. District Court or the Denver District Court. Regardless of jurisdiction, you can receive compensation for economic losses. As well, you could receive statutory relief up to $1,000.
Work With an Experienced Denver, Colorado Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Denver, 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!
