Debt Collector Harassment in Tacoma, WA

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

Washington’s Attorney General states that Tacoma consumers are protected from debt collector harassment by both state and federal laws. Unfortunately, the restrictions on harassment do not extend to an original creditor collecting its own overdue accounts. Collection agency business practices that are forbidden by law include:

  • Using obscenities or profanities
  • Calling more than three times per week
  • Threatening violence or criminal prosecution if you fail to pay
  • Calling before 8:00am or after 9:00pm in your time zone

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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma 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.

Every Tacoma collection agency must obtain a license from the State of Washington prior to conducting business. Washington’s Department of Licensing provides a License Lookup if you want to confirm that the collector calling you is properly licensed. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau provides ratings and reviews of collection agencies operating in and around Tacoma. Some of these companies include Puget Sound Collections, Sound Collection Services LLC, Pacific Northwest Collections Inc, and OSI Collection Services Inc.

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

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

Washington Law Help provides practical steps you can take to strengthen your case against debt collector harassment in Tacoma. The following suggestions can help prove a pattern of abuse:

  • Set up a file to keep all documents you have received, including envelopes
  • Take notes on every call, including date and time, caller’s name, and what was said
  • Save voicemails, texts, and emails
  • Send all documents by certified mail to verify receipt
  • Discuss any physical or emotional issues caused by the harassment with a counselor or doctor

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

Deciding where to begin your Tacoma debt collector case can be tricky. Specifically, your case might begin in Pierce County Superior Court. Alternatively, you may also have the option of filing in US District Court, Western District of Washington. Consulting with an experienced Tacoma attorney can help determine the best jurisdiction for your case. Keep in mind, due to the statute of limitations, you have only one year from the time the harassment occurred to sue for damages. As well, even if you win your lawsuit, you may still have to pay the original debt.

Work With an Experienced Tacoma, Washington Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Tacoma, WA 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 Washington 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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