Debt Collector Harassment in Springfield, IL
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Springfield, Illinois 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 Springfield, Illinois
According to the Illinois Attorney General, both state and federal laws protect debtors from harassment by collection agencies. Some of the requirements for Springfield debt collectors include:
- Clearly indicating that they are attempting to collect a debt
- Providing the name and address of the business or person to whom the debt is owed
- Not calling before 8 am or after 9 pm
- Not engaging in threats, coercion, or abuse
- Refraining from disclosing information about your debt to another person
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 Springfield 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 Springfield, IL 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 Springfield 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 collection agencies operating in Springfield are required to be registered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Some of these local agencies include Creditor’s Service Bureau, CCB Credit Services, and Acme Credit Service.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Springfield, Illinois?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Springfield 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 Springfield, IL by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
Illinois Legal Aid provides some suggestions for Springfield residents who wish to document debt collector harassment:
- Keep copies of all written correspondence with the collection agency
- Maintain an electronic record of any faxes or emails you send or receive
- Keep a detailed log of the time, date, and content of all phone calls
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Springfield 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 Springfield, IL 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. Springfield 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 Springfield, IL debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
Your complaint may be able to be filed in either the U.S. District Court or Sangamon County Court. Your Springfield attorney can help determine the best jurisdiction for your case. However, according to the Federal Trade Commission, the lawsuit must be brought within one year of the illegal action. If you incurred economic loss, such as lost wages, you may be able to sue for those damages. If not, you can still be awarded up to $1,000 in statutory relief. As well you could be covered on your attorney fees and court costs.
Work With an Experienced Springfield, Illinois Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Springfield, IL 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 Illinois 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!
