Debt Collector Harassment in Oklahoma
Debt Collector Harassment in Oklahoma
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma outlines some of the common forms of debt collector harassment in the state. Some of these harassment methods include:
- Calling every hour on the hour
- Threatening or abusing you, your reputation, or your property
- Using words or symbols to claim they are a government agency
- Talking to third parties about your debt
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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma , 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 Better Business Bureau provides a list of collection agencies in Oklahoma. Examples of accredited agencies in Oklahoma include Account Management Resources and Credit Service, Inc. Non-accredited agencies include Quick Charge Corp and AIS Recovery.
However, keep in mind that Oklahoma does not require collection companies to be licensed in order to collect debt in Oklahoma. In fact, out-of-state collection agencies may also try to collect debt in Oklahoma.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Oklahoma?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Oklahoma by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. Although contact with unscrupulous debt collectors can be upsetting, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends you document all harassment. Specifically, you should keep a file of all paper correspondence, as well as save voicemail messages and text messages. Additionally, you should get the name and employee ID of the caller, note the time of call, and take notes during the call. If the debt collector is calling from within Oklahoma, you may be able to record the phone conversation, since Oklahoma is a one-party consent state.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
The Federal Trade Commission reported that a debt collector paid a record $1 million civil penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. However, in most cases you may be awarded only up to $1,000. However, you could also be reimbursed for your attorney and court fees. If you can prove damages, such as lost wages or medical bills, then you might be awarded more. Keep in mind, due to a statute of limitations you only have one year from the time the harassment occurred to sue for damages. If you do choose to sue, your case will begin in either a US District Court or an Oklahoma State Court. Your Oklahoma attorney can help determine the best jurisdiction for your case.
Work With an Experienced Oklahoma Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma 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!
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