Debt Collector Harassment in Montana
Debt Collector Harassment in Montana
The Montana Department of Justice recognizes that debt collection agencies have stricter rules than other businesses. These companies must pay a $1,000 licensing fee and follow strict behavioral standards. Prohibited practices include:
- Calling repeatedly
- Threatening violence against you
- Revealing your debts to the public
- Using obscene language and profanities
- Pretending to represent government officials or law firms
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 Montana 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 Montana , 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 around a dozen debt collection agencies in the State of Montana. You may deal with GreenPath or Consolidated Credit Solutions, among many others approved by the Attorney General.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Montana?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Montana by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. Consider a situation where a Montana resident receives harassment for time-barred debts. The Federal Trade Commission recommends keeping proof of this to share with your attorney. Additionally, keep a log of each phone call you receive that includes the dates, frequency of contact, and the content of the conversations. Demonstrating a pattern of breaking FDCPA rules can be a crucial factor in winning or losing your case.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
Dealing with harassment from an aggressive debt collector can be frustrating, and it’s natural to feel anger or stress. However, acting impulsively could hurt your case. Stay calm and approach the situation thoughtfully. Keeping a level head not only helps manage your stress but also strengthens your position if legal action becomes necessary. Remaining composed allows you to demonstrate professionalism, while the debt collector’s abusive behavior speaks for itself.
Step 4: Ask for Debt Verification
If you’re constantly getting phone calls from Montana 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 Montana debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
A debt collector harassment suit in Montana can begin with the Small Claims Court system. Filing a complaint incurs a fee, and a hearing will occur within 40 days. If your case involves more than $7,000 in damages, your lawsuit may fall under the jurisdiction of a different court.
Work With an Experienced Montana Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Montana, 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 Montana 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!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
There are still other areas of law in Montana that could affect your case. Check out more details on the other articles on our site.