Debt Collector Harassment in Tuscaloosa, AL
Finding yourself in debt can be incredibly stressful. What no one needs at this time is to be harassed by bad actors who are trying to collect on behalf of creditors. There are several rules and regulations regarding debt collection, and clear boundaries which people are not permitted to cross. If you feel you have been harassed by those seeking to collect a debt, you may want to contact an experienced attorney in Tuscaloosa.
Debt Collector Harassment in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
According to the Attorney General of Alabama, debt collectors are entitled to pursue the debt that you owe. However, they are not entitled to engage in behavior classified as harassment. For those residing in Tuscaloosa, this behavior can include, but is not limited to the use of profane language, threatening harm or violence, and publishing your information if you refuse to pay. They are also prohibited from making false statements, such as telling you you’ll be arrested, or misrepresenting how much you owe.
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 Tuscaloosa 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 Alabama 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 Tuscaloosa 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.
The Better Business Bureau encourages you to make sure any communication you have received is from a valid collection agency. There are several accredited collection agencies in the Tuscaloosa area, including but not limited to:
- AmSher Receivables Management
- Omni Recovery services of Alabama
- Nathan and Natahn PC
- Advanced Collections Inc.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Tuscaloosa 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. Be on the lookout for if a debt collector violates any harassment policies or misrepresents rules. You as the victim have a right to sue the collector for violation of the FDCPA.
Step 2: Collect Records
Have you been harassed in Tuscaloosa, AL by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
Any Tuscaloosa residents that are being harassed in regards to debt collection should bolster their claims. You can do this by collecting records of all communications with those committing the harassment. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, you can compile any harassing communications. Things such as emails, letters, and repetitious phone calls. These are all especially forbidden if they contain threats, obscene language, or intimations of violence.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, AL 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. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, AL debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
The Alabama State Bar confirms that the court that hears a debt collection case in Tuscaloosa depends upon the dollar amount of the debt owed. Any case that deals with an amount greater than $10,000 falls under the jurisdiction of the Tuscaloosa County 6th Circuit Court. Ant claims under $10,000 are the purview of the Tuscaloosa County District Court.
Harassment can always be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. It may be in your best interest to engage the services of an experienced attorney in Tuscaloosa to help you press your rights and fight for you.
Work With an Experienced Tuscaloosa, Alabama Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Alabama 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!
