Debt Collector Harassment in Shreveport, LA
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Shreveport, Louisiana 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.
Debt Collector Harassment in Shreveport, Louisiana
Louisiana has enacted state laws regarding debt collection that are nearly identical to the federal laws. Under state and federal laws, Shreveport residents have protections from abusive tactics like:
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Being called at unreasonable hours
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Obscene language
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Repeated calls meant to annoy
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The use of threats or lies
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Contacting third parties about your debt
If you are a victim of any of these examples, you may have a right to sue the debt collector for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). An experienced Shreveport 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:
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The amount of money you owe
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False threats saying they will have you arrested
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Saying they are an attorney if they aren’t one
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Threats to do something that the debt collector has no intention of doing
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Threats to take actions that are not within the confines of the law
If you think any Shreveport, LA 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 Shreveport 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.
All debt collection agencies working in Louisiana have to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can check there for a full list of collectors. Some agencies in the Shreveport area include Cash Cow, Account Control Bureau, and Delinquent Recovery Associates.
What Should You Do If You’re Harassed By a Debt Collector In Shreveport, Louisiana?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Shreveport debt collectors are harassing you, then it’s important to become familiar with the Basics of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA became law 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 experienced harassment in Shreveport, LA by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
LouisianaLawHelp offers some suggestions for documenting debt collector harassment in Shreveport. They recommend keeping copies of anything that you send to or receive from a collection agency. Sending letters by certified mail allows you to prove that your letter arrived. In addition, it can be helpful to keep a log of all phone calls. Be sure to write down the date, time, caller, and content of the conversation.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Shreveport 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 Shreveport, LA 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. Shreveport 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 takes legal action, working with an attorney becomes even more important.
Step 6: Present Your Case
By hiring an experienced Shreveport, LA 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 Federal Trade Commission, your remedy in a debt collection lawsuit can include statutory relief of up to $1,000. In addition, you may have entitlements to damages for any economic losses that you suffered.
You may have a choice about where to file your lawsuit. Most debt collector harassment breaks federal, state, and local laws. Check-in with your Shreveport attorney to determine whether U.S. District Court or Caddo Parish Court is your best option. Regardless of the venue, you may only have one year to begin your lawsuit, due to a statute of limitations.
Work With an Experienced Shreveport, Louisiana Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Shreveport, LA 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 Louisiana 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!
