Debt Collector Harassment in Nampa, ID
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Nampa, Idaho 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 Nampa, Idaho
Under Idaho law, it is illegal for Nampa debt collectors to engage in harassment. For example, a debt collector cannot:
- Call between 9:00 pm and 8:00 am
- Make threats against you or your property
- Pretend to be calling from a government agency
- Disclose your debt information to another person
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 Nampa 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 Nampa, ID 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 Nampa 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.
The Idaho Department of Finance provides a list of state-licensed collection agencies operating across the state. As well, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) maintains a list of debt collection agencies operating in the Nampa area. Some, like Collections Center Idaho, are accredited and rated by the BBB. Local non-accredited agencies include Action Collection Service and Collection Bureau Inc.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Nampa, Idaho?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Nampa 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 Nampa, ID by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
If you want to address debt collector harassment in Nampa, Idaho Legal Aid Services recommends collecting proof that they have violated the law. The following suggestions may help strengthen your case:
- Set up a file to keep all documents received, including envelopes
- Log every call, including date, time, content, and names of people involved
- Save all voicemail, emails, and texts
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Nampa 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 Nampa, ID 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. Nampa 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 Nampa, ID debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
Your Nampa debt collector harassment case might begin in Canyon County District Court. Alternatively, you may also have the option of filing in US District Court. Consulting with your Nampa attorney can help determine the optimal jurisdiction for your circumstances. If you cannot prove damages, the court may still award you up to $1,000 plus attorney and court costs. Keep in mind, you may still be liable for the original debt even if you win your case.
Work With an Experienced Nampa, Idaho Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Nampa, ID 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 Idaho 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!
