Debt Collector Harassment in Long Beach, CA
You may feel alone and overwhelmed by debt collector harassment in Long Beach. Many others have shared this feeling and found relief through state or federal law.
Facing inappropriate behavior from collection agencies doesn’t have to be a part of your daily life. Explore how to move forward with our guide and a referral to legal help.
Debt Collector Harassment in Long Beach, California
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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA 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 Long Beach 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.
Here are some debt collection agencies near Long Beach, CA, who may have contacted you recently:
- Collection Consultants of California
- Coastline Financial Resources
- Long Beach Collection Services
- Allied Collection Services
- Bridgeport Financial Services
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Long Beach, California?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
Winning a debt collector harassment case in Long Beach often relies on presenting compelling evidence. Here are a few records that can help support your case:
- Call logs or records documenting the frequency and content of communication
- Copies of written correspondence
- Any voicemails or recordings of phone conversations
- Copies of your credit report
- Documentation of payments
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA 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. Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
The agency gets to respond after you file a lawsuit in Long Beach. The process unfolds through discovery, where parties exchange relevant information and evidence. The process can involve documents and testimonies, paving the way for potential resolution methods like mediation. Should these efforts not lead to an agreement, the case goes before a judge or jury.
Work With an Experienced Long Beach, California Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Long Beach, CA 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 California 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!
