Debt Collector Harassment in Nevada
Debt Collector Harassment in Nevada
The State Bar of Nevada identifies some examples of common illegal practices residents have experienced in the past. Some of the offenses identified include:
- Continuous calling
- Using profane or otherwise offensive language
- Attempting to contact debtors at work
- Claiming to represent law enforcement
- Calling consumers before 8 am or after 9 pm
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 Nevada 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 Nevada , 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.
Like most other states, Nevada has its fair share of collection agencies. Significant players in the industry include First National Collection Bureau and Hospital Collection Services. Any third-party collector registers with Nevada Consumer Affairs, which also has the responsibility of collecting complaints from consumers.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Nevada?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Nevada by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. Despite how annoying third party collectors can be, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau does not recommend ignoring them. Keeping careful records of all written and verbal communications could become a critical part of your case. Once Nevada agencies know that you have hired legal counsel, you should not receive phone calls from an agency regarding your debts.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure state that civil litigation begins with submitting a complaint to the judiciary. Once a judge accepts this document, a series of summons may go out to parties involved in the lawsuit. The discovery process follows where both sides establish what they will present. However, most torts do not go to a judge or jury. In addition, your attorney can negotiate a settlement anytime before the trial moves into the deliberation phase.
Work With an Experienced Nevada Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Nevada, 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 Nevada 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!
Are you curious to learn about other areas of Nevada law? We have articles on many legal topics in the state.
