Debt Collector Harassment in Salem, OR

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

The Oregon Department of Justice works to protect consumers and provide advice for dealing with collectors. Part of the process for protecting yourself involves knowing when a company crosses the line. A few examples that cities like Salem have dealt with include:

  • Refusing to identify themselves or their purpose for calling
  • Misrepresenting who they represent and why
  • Trying to contact you at work before calling your home or cell number
  • Implying that they will take legal action when they have no plans to do so

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 Salem 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 Salem, OR 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 Salem 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.

Salem has 34 collection agencies that have received recognition from the Better Business Bureau. A few of the organizations that have earned their highest marks are:

  • Valley Credit Service
  • CSO Financial
  • Metro Area Collection Service

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

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Salem 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

Have you been harassed in Salem, OR by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

The AARP publishes a guide to dealing with and stopping debt collector harassment. Salem residents of any age will want to document the details of illegal contact. One of the best first steps you can take is reporting this behavior to the FTC.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

The Marion County Civil Court in Salem may have jurisdiction over your debt collector litigation. Alternatively, a case that goes into the federal system would go through the U.S. District Court of the District of Oregon.

If you’re curious about what a court can award for your case, your attorney may have familiarity with recent precedent. Also, even for plaintiffs from Salem that lose their lawsuit, a judge can grant up to $1,000 to reimburse you for legal fees. For class action lawsuits, the amount can go up to $500,000 or 1% of the company’s net worth.

Work With an Experienced Salem, Oregon Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Salem, OR 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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