Dealing with debt collectors can be a stressful experience, particularly when communication is aggressive or unfair. If you experience poor treatment from a debt collector, a dedicated McKinney collections litigation attorney can help you assert your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act protects consumers from harassment, deception and other abusive collection practices. Here are the key ways the FDCPA protects you from harassment, threats and abusive communication.
Main Benefits of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Protection From Unfair Debt Collection Tactics
The FDCPA applies to all companies that regularly collect most consumer debts, but does not cover business debts. Debt collectors often try to employ coercive tactics to get lenders to pay back their debts. This may include making you feel guilty, setting up a repayment plan, or encouraging you to seek other loans to pay off this debt. None of this may be in your best interest, but it’s also not illegal.
Stop Unlawful Debt Collection Practices
The practices used by some debt collection agencies can cause emotional distress, strain family relationships, and create problems at a person’s job. The FDCPA clearly outlines what is legally permitted during the debt collection process and identifies the practices that violate the law. These guidelines make it easier to recognize when a debt collector is acting illegally. If you experience any of the following unlawful debt collection practices, you have the right to sue debt collectors for damages in state or federal court.
The Right to Understand and Dispute a Debt
You have the right to learn more about your debt, how much you owe, and who you owe it to. You also have the right to dispute your debt with your creditor. You do not have to negotiate with debt collectors. They are only interested in recovering your debt, not providing you satisfaction.
If you request verification within 30 days of first being contacted, the debt collector must provide documentation proving the debt is valid. Therefore, contact a debt collection attorney in Texas as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss this deadline. Debt collectors are required to pause efforts to collect the debt while they provide this verification. If a collector cannot verify the debt, they can no longer legally pursue it.
Contact a Collections Litigation Attorney in North Texas
If you have been harassed, threatened, or misled by a debt collector, you don’t have to take it. Work with an experienced attorney to verify your debt with your creditor and put an end to greedy debt collectors. Contact Lucé Law, PC online or call (972) 632-1300 to schedule a free legal consultation.
