Debt Collector Harassment in New Hampshire
Debt Collector Harassment in New Hampshire
The Federal Trade Commission states that debt collectors account for most of the fraud reports they receive each year. Fortunately, state and federal lawmakers have become allies in preventing harassment. The Concord Monitor even wrote an editorial in favor of attempts to stop ringless voicemails.
The New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau has the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting debt collection harassment. The most common abuses that the department identifies include:
- Abusive language
- Repeated phone calls
- Calling neighbors, friends, or employers
- Using deceptive practices to collect payments
- Deceiving others into giving them information about a debtor
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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire , 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.
New Hampshire has several heavy hitters in the debt collection world at the time of writing. Credit Adjustments, Inc. and MDC Recovery Services are a couple of companies debtors may deal with regarding delinquent accounts.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In New Hampshire?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in New Hampshire by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. New Hampshire debtors may want to start by creating a spreadsheet to track their contact with collectors. Beyond the dates and names, don’t forget to write a few notes about the content of these conversations. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, your attorney may have a use for this data while advocating for you in court.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, state and federal laws offer ways to sue collection agencies. The details that you share with the court can vary depending on what grounds you use at the filing stage of the tort. As the civil litigation process moves forward, debtors may find themselves in hearings at the nearest district court.
Work With an Experienced New Hampshire Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire 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!
Answers to legal questions can often lead to more questions. If you’re seeking more about an area of law in New Hampshire, we’ve got you covered.