Debt Collector Harassment in North Dakota

Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In North Dakota 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 North Dakota

Residents of North Dakota should be aware that the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office recently forbade 3 separate debt-collecting agencies from operating in the state due to fraudulent practices. While creditors are entitled to collect on a debt you owe, they are not entitled to engage in harassment. Harassment can include calling in the early morning or late at night, using vulgar and profane language, falsely claiming they are with the government, or attempting to contact you even after you’ve sent a Stop Contact letter.

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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 need to recieve payments for debts. If you have outstanding debt in North Dakota , 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.

If you are facing certain debts in North Dakota you could be contacted by DCI Credit Services, Credit Bureau of Bismarck, or United Accounts Inc. Additionally, NexaCollections provides an online list of the collection agencies in North Dakota.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In North Dakota?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think North Dakota 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

If you’ve been harassed in North Dakota by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. When dealing with a debt collector, it is important to save as many documents as you can. You’ll want to send a Stop Contact letter as soon as you can. It may be in your best interest to keep a file containing all correspondence between you and the collector. If you are suing for harassment, you might call your phone provider for a print copy of the times they have contacted you by phone. It is also worth noting that according to the North Dakota Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you can record a harassing conversation from a debt collector because North Dakota is a 1-party consent state.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.

Collection Agencies in North Dakota are bound by the North Dakota Debt Collection Laws. If they have violated these laws and engaged in harassment, you must file suit within one year of the harassment. You can choose to file in a state court, such as the Burleigh County District Court, or a federal court such as the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. Remember, even if you win a harassment lawsuit this does not absolve you of your debt, and you must still work to pay back what you owe.

Work With an Experienced North Dakota Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota 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!