Debt Collector Harassment in Springfield, MO

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

According to the Missouri Division of Finance, collection agencies are not regulated by the State of Missouri. However, residents of Springfield are protected from debt collector harassment by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Some of the illegal business practices for debt collectors include:

  • Misrepresenting the amount of debt you owe
  • Threatening violence, arrest, or seizure of your property
  • Calling before 8:00am or after 9:00pm in your time zone
  • Implying they are a court or government agency

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, MO 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.

It is generally a good idea to do some research if a collection agency contacts you in Springfield. The Better Business Bureau provides ratings, reviews, and customer complaints for collection agencies operating in and around Springfield. Some of these agencies include Creditors Financial Services LLC, Missouri TItle Loans Inc, Springfield Recovery Inc, and Twin Oaks Recovery LLC.

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

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, MO by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

If you are a victim of harassing calls from a debt collector in Springfield, Missouri Legal Services provides a sample cease and desist letter that you can send to stop the calls. Additionally, keep all correspondence you receive, including letters, forms, envelopes, voicemails, and emails. If the debt collector is calling from somewhere in Missouri, you may actually be able to record the calls. This is because Missouri is a one-party consent state. Alternatively, you can, and should, take comprehensive notes during any call.

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, MO 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, MO debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.

You can begin by consulting with an experienced Springfield attorney about the optimal court for your case. This is because you may have the option to file in US District Court, Western District of Missouri. Alternatively, you may want to file in Greene County Circuit Court. However, due to the statute of limitations, you only have one year from the date the harassment occurred to file your case.

Additionally, the Court may award you the statutory $1,000 settlement and reimburse your attorney and court fees. If you can prove damages, such as lost wages or medical bills, you might be awarded even more. However, even if you win, you may still be liable for the original debt.

Work With an Experienced Springfield, Missouri Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Springfield, MO 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 Missouri 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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