Debt Collector Harassment in Tennessee
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Tennessee 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 Tennessee
The Attorney General of Tennessee states that harassing tactics from debt collecting agencies are strictly forbidden by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Any behavior such as misrepresenting information, threatening harm or violence, or using profanity or abusive language constitutes harassment. Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and sending false information to credit bureaus is also harassment. If you are experiencing this behavior you may have an avenue to sue the debt collection 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee , 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.
When dealing with debt collectors in Tennessee, you could hear from Absolute Recovery Services, Frost-Arnett, or Portfolio Recovery Associates to name a few. The Better Business Bureau provides an online list of accredited collection agencies in Tennessee.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Tennessee?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Tennessee 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
If you’ve been harassed in Tennessee by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. This Tennessean Opinion Article states that while collection agencies are allowed to call work or relatives to ascertain your whereabouts, they are not allowed to share any information with them about your debt. To stop these calls you should consider drafting a Stop Contact letter immediately. State in writing that you do not wish for the agency to contact you any further. Then, send it via certified mail so you’ll have a receipt. You should also save any letters you’ve received for your files, and try to keep records of your payments made. An experienced attorney in Tennessee can help you gather what you need to pursue action against a collection agency.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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. Tennessee 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 Tennessee debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
The Attorney General of Tennessee encourages consumers to know their rights and get as much information as possible if being harassed by debt collectors. You’ll have just 1 year to file suit from the date of harassment. You’ll also be able to pursue damages if you’ve lost wages due to the actions of the collection agency.
An experienced attorney in Tennessee can help you decide whether it’s better for your case to file in a state court, such as a Tennessee Trial Court, or a Federal court, like the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Work With an Experienced Tennessee Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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!
