Debt Collector Harassment in Worcester, MA
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Worcester, Massachusetts 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 Worcester, Massachusetts
The Courts of Massachusetts have established that a debt collector cannot contact you more than twice a week, unless they have been previously unable to reach you or leave a message. Harassment from a debt collector is illegal. In addition to contacting you too much, a collector is not allowed to threaten, intimidate, or use profane language. They are also prohibited from falsifying information about a debt, or failing to identify themselves.
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 Worcester 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 Worcester, MA 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 Worcester 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.
Debt brings a certain amount of stress. On top of this, Worcester residents may find themselves dealing with repeated contact from agencies such as Associated Credit Services, First Financial Resources, or American Credit Management. The Better Business Bureau provides a comprehensive list of collection agencies near Worcester.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Worcester, Massachusetts?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Worcester 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 Worcester, MA by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
The Attorney General of Massachusetts recommends sending a Stop Contact letter to any debt collector that has been engaging in harassment. Remember, this letter will only force them to cut off contact, it will not absolve you of your debt if the debt is legitimate. You should keep all records of correspondence between you and the collection agency, and obtain phone records to show times and frequency of the calls. However, you cannot record your phone conversations without alerting the agency, as Massachusetts requires 2-party consent.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Worcester 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 Worcester, MA 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. Worcester 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 Worcester, MA debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
When you file suit, it is very beneficial to have an experienced Worcester attorney at your side. Because harassment of this type violates both federal and state law, you’ll have to decide where to file suit. You may file in a state court, such as the Worcester District Court. However, it may be better for your case to file in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
If you can prove that you have lost wages due to the harassment of a debt collection agency, you can pursue damages before the court. However, stopping harassment does not discharge your debt. If the debt is legitimate you will be required to pay.
Work With an Experienced Worcester, Massachusetts Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Worcester, MA 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 Massachusetts 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!
