Debt Collector Harassment in Fairbanks, AK

Finding yourself in debt can be a scary place to be. This is made even more so if you are being harassed by those trying to collect from you. Harassment of any kind is illegal, even when trying to collect a legitimate debt. If you are experiencing harassment from debt collectors in Fairbanks, you can stand on your rights to fight back. You may also want an experienced Fairbanks attorney to help you.

Debt Collector Harassment in Fairbanks, Alaska

With all the modes of communication available to us, debt collection harassment has become a problem in Fairbanks, and throughout Alaska. Constant phone calls or emails demanding payment can become overwhelming. The Alaska Public Interest Research Group has proposed several changes to the laws to add consumer protections. However, the fear is that some aspects of these changes would weaken the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, AK 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 Fairbanks 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.

NexaCollect provides Fairbanks residents with a list of legitimate credit agencies. If someone is seeking to collect a debt from you, you should always research whether these contacts are legitimate. In Fairbanks there are registered collection agencies, such as:

• Check Works

• Bankers Collection Company

• Cornerstone Credit Service

• CLA Service

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

Step 1: Know Your Rights

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

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau encourages any Fairbanks resident to document harassment if they are being hounded unfairly by a collection agency. You should save any written correspondence, such as letters. You should also save any emails you receive, these can show the frequency and content of the interactions. If you are being harassed by phone, you should record the date, time, and frequency of the calls, as well as trying to get the name and ID number of the caller.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

Fairbanks residents can file in multiple courts, depending upon the amount of debt owed. If you are filing a case concerning $100,000, you will most likely file with the Fairbanks District Court. However, if you are dealing with less than $10,000 you can file with the Small Claims Court of Fairbanks.

Work With an Experienced Fairbanks, Alaska Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Fairbanks, AK 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 Alaska 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!