Debt Collector Harassment in Duluth, MN

Is a debt collector’s endless harassment turning your life into a nightmare?

You’re not alone, and more importantly, you have rights. Persistent and intrusive calls or even threat-filled messages can wreak havoc on your peace of mind. In addition to your emotional well-being, these actions can significantly impact your personal and professional lives.

You don’t have to allow debt collectors to make your life miserable in Duluth. Continue reading to learn about your legal rights, possible solutions, and how hiring a competent attorney can help.

Debt Collector Harassment in Duluth, Minnesota

Debt collectors have a well-documented history of abusive behavior in Duluth. For instance, companies had to pay $100,000 for harassing locals with student debt. However, it is also notable that this settlement was part of a $500,000 agreement split among four other states.

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 Duluth 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 Duluth, MN 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 Duluth 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.

Several notable agencies may have contacted you or a loved one in Duluth. The Better Business Bureau recognizes the following as legitimate companies operating in the area:

• Professional Service Bureau, Inc.
• IC System, Inc.
• Summit A*R

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Duluth, Minnesota?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Duluth 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 Duluth, MN by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

In a debt collector harassment case, certain records can be essential in supporting your claims. These records may include copies of communications, such as phone call logs, voicemails, or written correspondence. Additionally, keeping a detailed record of dates, times, and content of each interaction in Duluth can be crucial.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Duluth 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 Duluth, MN 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. Duluth 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 Duluth, MN debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.

Both parties will present evidence, witnesses, and arguments during the trial. Then, the judge or jury will make a judgment. However, their determination may not be completely in favor of someone from Duluth or the defendant.

Work With an Experienced Duluth, Minnesota Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Duluth, MN 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 Minnesota 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!