Debt Collector Harassment in Wyoming
Debt Collector Harassment in Wyoming
Wyoming does not have its own debt collection laws and relies on the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. According to Equal Justice Wyoming, debt collections agencies cannot:
- Call you at inconvenient times, typically before 8 am or after 9 pm
- Contact you directly, if they are aware that you have an attorney
- Make threats of violence or arrest
- Use obscene, profane, or abusive language
- Continually call or leave multiple messages, with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass you
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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming , 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 (BBB) maintains a list of debt collection agencies operating in and around Wyoming. Some, like American Collection Systems and United Resource Systems, are accredited and rated by the BBB. There are also nonaccredited agencies, such as the National Consumer Group and US Recovery Services.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Wyoming?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Wyoming by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. There are several important steps you can take to document illegal practices by a debt collection agency. Some recommendations from the National Consumer Law Center include:
- Try to communicate in writing as much as possible
- Keep copies of all written correspondence
- Send any letters by certified mail, with return receipt requested
It can also be helpful to keep a log of all phone communications, including the date and time of the call. In addition, be sure to write down the caller’s name and a summary of the conversation.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
Your case could be heard in either federal or state court. A Wyoming attorney can advise you whether to file in U.S. District Court or your local trial court. According to the Federal Trade Commission, your remedy could include a statutory amount up to $1,000. You can also be compensated for any economic loss, and reimbursed for court costs and attorney fees. However, you must bring your suit within one year of the illegal action by the debt collection agency.
Work With an Experienced Wyoming Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming 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!
Other areas of Wyoming law could apply to your case!
