Debt Collector Harassment in Washington
Debt Collector Harassment in Washington
Washington debt collection rules are governed by a combination of state and federal laws. According to the Washington Attorney General’s Office, debt collection agencies cannot threaten you with jail or physical violence. In addition, they cannot call you before 8am or after 9pm, or more than three times per week. They can call your employer or family to find out where you live or work. However, they cannot tell anyone else about your debt, and they can only call each person one time.
Misrepresentations
- 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 Washington debt collectors may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney who 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 Washington , 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.
Washington, like all states, has many local debt collection agencies. Some of these include Puget Sound Collections, Merchants Credit Association, and Olympic Collection. The Better Business Bureau can be a good place to start if you want to find out more about the agency calling you.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Washington?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Washington by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. Washington Law Help provides some suggestions for documenting your case against a collection agency:
- Keep copies of everything they send you, even the envelopes
- Make a note of every phone call, including date, time, content, and caller’s name
- Keep track of any calls about you to other people
- Send any correspondence by certified mail, with return receipt
- See a counselor or doctor if the collection agency causes you physical, mental, or emotional problems
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Washington 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 Washington 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
Step 6: Present Your Case
By hiring an experienced Washington debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
Because both state and federal laws apply, you may have a choice about where to file your lawsuit. A Washington attorney can help you decide between U.S. District Court and your county’s Superior Court. Regardless of venue, you must begin your case within one year of the illegal action by the debt collector. In addition to statutory and injunctive relief, you may be able to recover 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 Washington Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Washington, 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!
There are other areas of Washington law that could apply to your case.
