If you are being bombarded by harassing calls from debt collectors, you should know that you have options. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and a related California law put protections in place for you, placing serious consequences on debt collectors when the laws are violated.
These laws can make a powerful difference to the rights of consumers, but they aren’t effective unless the millions of Americans harassed by debt collectors each year step forward, speak out and pursue their rights. Beyond what debt collectors can do to your public record and financial capacity, the impact they can have on your family, social life, mental health and quality of life shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Violations of the FDCPA occur with alarming frequency, and are committed by both collection agencies and collection attorneys. The FDCPA prohibits all forms of threats, harassment, deception, lies and unfair practices in collecting debts. If you believe your have received a letter or answering machine message that violates the FDCPA, please contact us and send us copies of any collection letters you receive for our review. You may be entitled to $1000.00 for each violation plus any actual damages. We offer a free confidential consultation with an experienced lawyer.
You have the absolute right to demand that a debt collector cease communication. You just have to write a letter setting forth your demand. If you notify the collector that you refuse to pay the debt, that notice also serves as a cease communications notice. In either event, the debt collector may no longer communicate with you except to notify you that he is exercising specific rights.
What is the most effective way to stop abuse and harassment by debt collectors? Hire an attorney.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates creditors and their “hired gun” debt collectors. The FDCPA outlaws such conduct as:
- Harassing phone calls, e-mails or letters
- Abusive language or profanity
- Bothering relatives or employers after the collector has located you
- Threats of consequences (jail, lawsuits, black marks on your credit report)
- False statements to a credit bureau
- Anonymous or automated phone messages
- Misrepresenting the amount or status of the debt
- Misrepresenting themselves as police or government agencies
Make the Debt Collector Pay Legal Fees
If we agree to represent you in your FDCPA case, you generally will not pay any upfront attorney’s fees. The FDCPA permits you to ask the Court to make the abusive debt collector pay your legal fees.
Folsom Debt Collector Harassment Attorney
The Folsom Debt Collection Abuse Lawyers of Bowman & Associates help clients across California. The established laws protect consumers from harassing behavior from collection agents and our experienced law firm can help. If you or someone you know has legal questions regarding debt collection, contact our skilled attorneys today for your free consultation.
