Debt collectors must treat you with truth, fairness, dignity, and respect. Debt collectors are regulated by numerous state and federal laws in their debt collection activities. That’s where our seasoned attorneys at our firm could help. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) provides you with significant consumer rights when dealing with debt collectors. This article will briefly outline some of the important consumer rights afforded to you under the FDCPA. Some states also have their own laws, which are similar to the FDCPA. Therefore, it is important to work with a reliable debt collection harassment lawyer if you are being harassed by debt collectors.
Remember that it is legal for someone to attempt to collect a debt from you that you owe; however, certain rules must be followed. The FDCPA covers consumers, debt collectors, and certain kinds of debts.
A consumer simply means any person who owes a debt. It also includes individuals who are told they owe a debt (even if they do not actually owe such debt or do not even recognize it).
A debt collector is anyone who regularly collects defaulted debts owed to others. This includes attorneys who collect debts (such as by suing consumers). This does not include whoever you originally borrowed money from.
A covered debt includes any alleged debt that is primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. It does not include all debt; for example, business debts are not covered under the FDCPA.
Debt collection often begins with a debt collector contacting you by phone or by mail stating that you owe a debt and that they are trying to collect on it. Oftentimes, consumers do not recognize the company that has contacted them, even if they recognize the underlying debt. This is because many debt collectors buy the right to collect on a debt that originated somewhere else and then try to collect the debt.
Some debt collectors may only call or mail you letters. If you receive only a telephone call, do not pay any money unless you also receive a letter. If you receive a letter, you can request that the debt collector validate the debt. You must dispute the debt or seek verification of the debt within 30 days.
Others may file a lawsuit against you to obtain a court order that you must pay the debt. If you are sued, it is important to remember that you can contest the debt in Court as well as raise your own claims against the debt collector. It is highly recommended that you contact an attorney if and when you find out that you are being sued.
If the debt collector prevails in a lawsuit against you, it may ask the Court to garnish your wages or seize assets you own to pay off the amount in the judgment.
The FDCPA provides consumers with a variety of protections through the debt collection process.
When you are first contacted by a debt collector, it must
When a debt collector first contacts you, you have the right to
While a debt collector contacts you, it must
When a debt collector contacts you, you have the right to
You may have other rights as well, depending on what type of debt is involved, such as mortgage debt, an auto loan, or student loans. A lawyer could discuss additional protections against debt collector harassment.
The deck is stacked against consumers with sophisticated debt collection tactics. As a consumer, you should not hesitate to shield yourself from these sharp practices and exercise your rights under the FDCPA. Our law firm has the experience, resources, and ability to zealously represent you in your FDCPA action against any debt collector. We file federal civil lawsuits against debt collectors who violate any state or federal law. The FDCPA prohibits any collection efforts which violate any law. That means that, amongst other things, a collector must tell the truth, be respectful to you, and cease communicating with you when you have a lawyer.
It is important to speak to an attorney quickly as claims that you have against a debt collector may expire as soon as one year after the violation occurred.
It is also a good idea to keep a history of every time the debt collector contacted you. Save all emails, letters, and voicemails you’ve received. Also, be sure to save your phone records that show when the debt collector contacted you. Keep notes on how the debt collector’s actions have impacted you and those around you. This will serve as important evidence in your case.
A debt collection harassment lawyer is here to help you and is happy to discuss your situation with you further. Please fill out our contact form, and someone from our office will reach out to you.
Below are some additional resources for how to manage debt:
Consumer Library 
Request Your Credit Report 
Dispute Your Credit Report