Debt Collector Harassment in Hartford, CT
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Hartford, Connecticut 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 Hartford, Connecticut
The Connecticut State Department of Banking categorizes certain behaviors from collection agencies as harassment. Engaging in any type of threats, profanity, or false information is harassing behavior, and is strictly prohibited by law. If you are experiencing these behaviors from a collection agency, an experienced Hartford attorney can help you make this stop.
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 Hartford 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 Hartford, CT 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 Hartford 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.
Residents of Hartford facing debt may have to deal with TaxServ Capital Services, American Adjustment Bureau, or Kason Credit Corporation. The Better Business Bureau provides a list of accredited collection agencies.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Hartford, Connecticut?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Hartford 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 Hartford, CT by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
Connecticut Law states that it is illegal for a debt collector to harass any individual in the pursuit of the collection of a debt. If you are experiencing harassment it’s important to have detailed documents of what’s happening. Keep records of your payments, and any correspondence between you and the agency; both mail and electronic. Contact your phone provider to retrieve a copy of phone records which will provide exact dates and times of calls.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Hartford 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 Hartford, CT 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. Hartford 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 Hartford, CT debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
When you file suit, it is very beneficial to have an experienced Hartford attorney at your side. Because harassment of this type violates both federal and state law, you’ll have to decide where to file suit. You may file in a state court, such as the State of Connecticut Superior Court. However, it may be better for your case to file in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Lost wages due to harassment will allow you to pursue damages before the court. But, only if you can prove the harassment was the cause of the lost wages. However, even if damages are not an option, a judge may still award you $1,000. As well, they can order the collection agency to pay the court costs and legal fees.
Work With an Experienced Hartford, Connecticut Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Hartford, CT 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 Connecticut 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!
