Debt Collector Harassment in Kansas City, MO

Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Kansas City, Missouri 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 Kansas City, Missouri

According to the Missouri Division of Finance, Missouri does not regulate collection agencies in Kansas City. However, these companies do need to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Some of the prohibited practices for debt collectors include:

• Implying they are a government agency

• Refusing to identify themselves

• Threatening violence, arrest, or seizure of your property

• Calling between 9:00pm and 8:00am

• Misrepresenting the amount of debt owed

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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City, MO 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 Kansas City 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.

There are scammers around, so It’s generally a good idea to do some research if a collection agency contacts you. The Better Business Bureau lists collection agencies operating in and around Kansas City. They also provide ratings, reviews, and customer complaints for reference. Some of these agencies include:

• Executive Financial Consultant

• Missouri Title Loans

• Ecollect

• Commercial Claims Inc

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Kansas City, Missouri?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Kansas City 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 Kansas City, MO by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

If you are experiencing debt collector harassment in Kansas City, you can start by sending a written request to stop contact via certified mail. For convenience, Missouri Legal Services provides a sample cease and desist letter that you can send to stop the calls. Additionally, keep all correspondence received, including letters, forms, envelopes, voicemails, texts, and emails. You may also be able to record phone calls, since Missouri is a one-party consent state. However, you would need to confirm where the call is coming from, since some states require the consent of both parties.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

You can begin by consulting with an experienced Kansas City attorney about the best court for your case. This is because you may have the option to file in US District Court, Western District of Missouri or in Jackson County Circuit Court. Be aware, due to the statute of limitations, you only have one year from the date the harassment occurred to file your case. The Court may award you the statutory $1,000 settlement and reimburse your attorney and court fees. However, even if you win, you may still be liable for the original debt.

Work With an Experienced Kansas City, Missouri Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Kansas City, MO 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 Missouri 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!