Debt Collector Harassment in Mississippi
Debt Collector Harassment in Mississippi
Mississippi does not have its own debt collection laws. However, the state has adopted the federal policies of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under this law, debt collectors cannot engage in abusive, harassing, or misleading collection practices. They cannot call you before 8am or after 9pm. In addition, they cannot contact your employer or family, other than to obtain your contact information. Collection agencies must identify themselves, and provide you with validation of the debt upon your request.
Misrepresentations
- 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 Mississippi debt collectors may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney who 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 Mississippi , 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 numerous collection agencies in Mississippi, and the Better Business Bureau maintains a list of most of them. Some of the local agencies include ARS Collections, Mississippi Warrant Network, and Advanced Collections. It can be helpful to verify that the agency calling you is actually a legitimate collection agency, rather than a scam.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Mississippi?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Mississippi by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. Some documentation advice from the National Consumer Law Center includes:
- Keep a copy of all written correspondence
- Send any letters by certified mail and keep the return receipt
- Keep a record of all phone calls, including date, time, contact name, and content of conversation
- Dispute all incorrect debt information in writing
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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
Step 6: Present Your Case
By hiring an experienced Mississippi debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
Your case may be able to be filed in either state or federal court. A Mississippi attorney can advise you on the best jurisdiction for your lawsuit. The federal court venue would be the U.S. District Court, while your state venue would be the county Circuit Court. According to the Federal Trade Commission, any lawsuit must begin within one year of the illegal action by the collector. You may be entitled to statutory relief in addition to any actual economic damages that you suffered. However, you may still be required to pay off your original debt.
Work With an Experienced Mississippi Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi 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!
Still looking for answers? There are other sections of Mississippi law where we can provide essential information.
