Debt Collector Harassment in Greensboro, NC

Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Greensboro, North Carolina 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 Greensboro, North Carolina

North Carolina has enacted state laws containing similar language to federal debt collection laws. According to the North Carolina Attorney General, debt collection agencies in Greensboro cannot:

• Use profanity or threaten you with violence or arrest

• Pretend to be attorneys or government representatives

• Tell your employer or anyone else about your debts

• Contact you before 8am or after 9pm without your permission

• Lie about why they are contacting you

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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro, NC 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 Greensboro 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.

All collection agencies in Greensboro are required to be licensed by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Some of the local agencies in the Greensboro area include Stern Recovery Services, Allied Interstate, and Source Receivables Management.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Greensboro, North Carolina?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

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

There are several ways to document your interactions with a Greensboro debt collector. LawHelpNC suggests keeping a record of all calls you receive, and they provide a sample phone log. In addition, you should keep copies of all written correspondence. If you send any letters, be sure to send them by certified mail, so you have proof that they were received.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

According to the Federal Trade Commission, your settlement may include compensation for economic loss. You could even receive $1,000 in statutory relief even if you don’t win the suit. In addition, you can request reimbursement for court costs and attorney’s fees. However, you may still have to pay the original debt. Furthermore, you might be able to file your case in either state or federal court. However, your Greensboro attorney can advise you on the best venue. Possibilities include U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina or Guilford County Court.

Work With an Experienced Greensboro, North Carolina Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Greensboro, NC 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 North Carolina 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!