When you are being demeaned, insulted, and stalked by creditors, you need to take steps necessary to stop collection harassment. Financial hardship is stressful enough without the constant calling, threats, and ugly tactics that some debt collectors use. You do not have to suffer; there are ways that you can fight back and hold them responsible for the stress they cause you.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
This was an act that was created to protect consumers against the abuse of aggressive creditors. It prohibits debt collectors from using unfair and aggressive debt collecting behavior. It also gives them a list of things that they are required to do during a communication with you.
They are required to:
- Identify themselves as a creditor during every communication.
- Notify the consumer that the communication is to collect the debt.
- Notify the consumer that they can dispute the debt.
- Provide accurate verification of the debt.
They are not allowed to:
- Call outside of the hours of 8 am and 9 pm.
- Fail to stop communication after a request to.
- Repeatedly call despite requests to stop.
- Communicate with consumers after a bankruptcy.
- Speak to the person’s place of employment.
- Speak to someone represented by an attorney.
- Misrepresent their identity and what they are doing.
- Threaten bodily harm, arrest, or legal action.
- Use abusive or profane language.
Steps to Take to Stop Collection Harassment
First, write a letter to the debt collector requesting that they cease all communication with you. They must follow this request. However, make sure to have a plan to either dispute the debt or file for bankruptcy. The situation will not go away because they stop calling.
Second, document all illegal behavior by the debt collector. Keep a log somewhere safe and back it up. If someone was present during the harassment, document that they witnessed it.
Third, talk to an experienced debt attorney. They will be able to assist you in ensuring that your rights are being protected.
If you have a debt collector who is harassing you, contact Lucé Law, PC today to stop collection harassment. Call (972) 632-1300 and schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
