Debt Collector Harassment in Trenton, NJ

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

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs provides The Debt Collection Handbook to residents of the state. A key takeaway for residents of Trenton is the importance of being able to recognize forms of debt collector harassment. Some of the illegal actions to look out for include:

• Using profane or obscene language
• Advertising your debt
• Calling continuously, or between 9:00 pm and 8:00 am
• Falsely claiming they represent a credit reporting company
• Threatening violence or criminal prosecution

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 Trenton 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 Trenton, NJ 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 Trenton 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 not unusual to be contacted by a debt collector if you have overdue debt in Trenton. It is a good idea to do some research on any agency that contacts you, especially if you do not recognize the company name. The Better Business Bureau provides a list of collection agencies operating in and around Trenton, including:

• Radius Global Solutions LLC
• United State Credit Company
• Remex Inc.
• Rickart Collection Systems Inc.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Trenton, New Jersey?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

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

The National Consumer Law Center outlines steps you can take when preparing to take action against debt collector harassment in Trenton. You should keep a log of all calls, noting the date, time, caller name, company name and address, and what was said. Retain copies of all paper correspondence, both sent and received. Additionally, save all voicemails, texts, emails, and any receipts for payments made.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

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

Starting a tort in Trenton begins with filing a complaint that describes the grounds for the lawsuit. You may have the option to file in the US District Court, District of New Jersey, or the Mercer County Courts. An experienced Trenton attorney can help determine the best jurisdiction for your case.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, both sides then engage in the discovery process. This process is why documenting harassment is such an important step prior to filing. If you do not settle out of court, the judge may award you statutory damages of up to $1,000. If you can prove economic damages, such as lost wages, you may be awarded even more.

Work With an Experienced Trenton, New Jersey Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Trenton, NJ 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 New Jersey 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!