Debt Collector Harassment in Virginia
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Virginia 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 Virginia
The Virginia Attorney General’s Office is responsible for enforcing both federal and state debt collection laws in Virginia. Some of the prohibitions for debt collection agencies include:
- Discussing your debt with anyone but you, your spouse, or your attorney
- Making threats of physical violence or arrest
- Contacting you after you have made a written request for them to stop
- Calling early in the morning or late at night
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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia , 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.
Virginia is home to at least 500 debt collection agencies. Some of these local companies include Receivables Management Systems, Collection Solutions of Virginia, and Credit Control Corporation. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start if you want to research the agency that is calling you.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Virginia?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Virginia 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 Virginia by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. The Virginia Legal Aid Society publishes a pamphlet with advice for documenting possible collection violations. Multiple calls in a short period of time can be reported to your phone provider as annoyance calls. In addition, send any letters by certified mail, and keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt. It can also be helpful to keep a log of all calls you receive. Be sure to write down the date, time, name of caller, and a summary of the conversation.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Virginia 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 Virginia 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. Virginia 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 Virginia debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
A lawsuit for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act can be filed in either federal or state court. Your Virginia attorney can help you determine the best filing option for your circumstances. It is important to act quickly, however, as you only have one year to begin your case. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you could be entitled to damages for any economic loss that you suffered. There are also statutory remedies available, as well as attorney and court costs.
Work With an Experienced Virginia Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Virginia, 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 Virginia 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!
