Debt Collector Harassment in Yakima, WA
Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Yakima, 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 Yakima, Washington
According to the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, any harassing behavior from a collection agency, such as threats, intimidation, or falsifying information, is a violation of both state and federal law. Abusive and harassing behavior can also include using profane language or failure to properly identify themselves on a phone call. A Yakima resident experiencing harassing behavior may have grounds to sue the collection agency.
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 Yakima 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 Yakima, 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 Yakima 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.
When dealing with debt collectors in Yakima, you could hear from Evergreen Financial Services, or Yakima Adjustment Service. However, there are many other agencies in and around Yakima. You should frequently check with NexaCollections to ensure that the agency contacting you is accredited by the state.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Yakima, Washington?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
If you think Yakima 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 Yakima, WA by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.
There are certain precautions you should take if you feel you are being harassed by a debt collector. Washington Law Help provides an online form letter to send to collection agencies. Sending a Stop Contact letter to the collection agency will force them to cut off contact with you. If possible, you should send the letter via certified mail, so you’ll have the receipt. You should also keep all correspondence between yourself and the collection agency, and you might even contact your phone provider to get a copy of your records. An experienced Yakima Attorney can best help you in these matters.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Yakima 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 Yakima, 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. Yakima 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 Yakima, WA debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
If you’ve lost wages or incurred more debt due to harassment, you’ll be allowed to pursue damages during a suit. However, even if you can’t pursue damages a judge may still award you $1,000. They could also order the collection agency to pay all court costs and attorney fees.
As harassment breaks both federal and state laws, you’ll need to file the lawsuit in either a state or federal courthouse. You could file in state court, such as the Yakima County District Court, or federal court, such as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. An experienced attorney in Yakima can help you decide which is better for your specific case.
Work With an Experienced Yakima, Washington Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Yakima, 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!
