Debt Collector Harassment in Oregon

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

According to the Oregon Department of Justice, both the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and a nearly identical state law exist to protect Oregonians. These laws provide protection from many types of debt collector harassment, including:

  • Calling before 8am or after 9pm in your time zone
  • Collectors refusing to identify themselves during a call
  • Threatening violence against you or your family
  • Using profanity or obscenities in calls or correspondence
  • Refusing to stop calling you at work after you have asked for it to cease

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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon , 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.

In Oregon, Collection Agencies must be registered with the state, and you can confirm an agency is licensed through the NMLS Consumer Access portal. The Better Business Bureau keeps a list collection agencies based in Oregon, including:

  • Metro Area Collection Service Inc.
  • Columbia Collection
  • Asset Collections Inc
  • Vervent Inc

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

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Oregon 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 Oregon by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. Although contact with unscrupulous debt collectors can be unsettling, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends you document all harassment. Specifically, you should keep a file of all paper correspondence that you receive and send. Additionally, you should always get the name and employee ID of the caller, note time of call, and save any voicemails. If the debt collector is calling from within Oregon, you may be able to record the phone conversation. This is because Oregon only requires one-party consent for electronic communications. Alternatively, you can and should, take comprehensive notes during every call.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

Settlement amounts can vary in cases involving violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The Federal Trade Commission reported that a debt collector paid a record $1 million civil penalty for violating the FDCPA. However, in most cases you can expect to be awarded only up to $1,000 and be reimbursed for attorney and court fees. If you can prove damages, such as lost wages or medical bills, the Court may award you more. If you do choose to sue, your case will begin in either a US District Court or an Oregon State Court. Your Oregon attorney can help determine the optimal jurisdiction for your case.

Work With an Experienced Oregon Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Oregon, 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 Oregon 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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