Debt Collector Harassment in Vancouver, WA
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, Washington
Abusive debt collection practices in Vancouver are restricted by a combination of state and federal laws. According to the Washington Attorney General’s Office, debt collection agencies cannot threaten you with arrest or physical violence. In addition, they cannot call you before 8 am or after 9 pm or more than three times per week. They can contact third parties, such as family or employers, to find out how to reach you. However, they can only call each person one time and may not provide any information about the debt.
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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver 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.
All debt collection agencies working in Vancouver must be licensed by the Washington Department of Revenue. Some of the local agencies in the Vancouver area include Thrive Collection Services, Elite Collections Services, and Grindstone Collection Strategies.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Vancouver, Washington?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Vancouver 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 Vancouver, WA by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
Washington Law Help has some suggestions for documenting harassment by a Vancouver collection agency:
- Keep copies of anything they send you, even the envelopes
- Keep a log of every phone call, including date, time, content, and caller’s name
- Note any calls to other people about you, including what was disclosed
- Send all letters by certified mail, and request a return receipt
- See a counselor or doctor if the collection agency causes you physical, mental, or emotional issues
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Vancouver 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 Vancouver, 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. Vancouver 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 Vancouver, WA debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
You may have a choice about whether to file your lawsuit in state or federal court. A Vancouver attorney can help you decide between U.S. District Court and Clark County Superior Court. In addition to statutory and injunctive relief, you can request damages for any economic losses. However, winning your lawsuit does not necessarily mean you won’t have to pay the original debt.
Work With an Experienced Vancouver, Washington Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Vancouver, 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!
