Do you suspect that you may be experiencing abusive collections practices? Here are some standards to know, when it comes to debt collection.
- Debt collectors can’t contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree to it. They can’t contact at you at work if you tell them verbally or in writing that you’re not allowed to get calls there. You can also send a certified letter telling a debt collector to stop contacting you and they have to do it, with two exceptions: (1) They can contact you to tell you the contact will cease or (2) they can contact you to inform you they are taking the next action, such as filing a lawsuit. It won’t get rid of the debt but it should stop the contact.
- Debt collectors can contact people who know you but only once and only to get your address, your home phone number and where you work. They cannot discuss your debt with anyone but you, your spouse or your attorney, if you have one.
- The debt collector may not harass or abuse you, such as threatening violence or using foul language. They may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt, such as claiming they are attorneys or misrepresenting the amount that you owe. They also can’t say you will be arrested if you don’t pay or that they will seize or garnish your wages unless they are permitted by the law in your area to do so. Remember that these examples are not an exhaustive list of what debt collectors may not engage in and if you’re not sure if you’re experiencing illegal debt collection practices, you should seek out professional legal advice in your area.
Contact Joe Knows!
If you have questions or need assistance, or if you suspect that you’re being subjected to abusive collections practices, contact Attorney Joe Lucé at Lucé Law, PC. Call (972) 632-1300 to schedule your appointment today! At Joe Knows, we’re always happy to offer our skilled assistance and insider legal knowledge. Contact us at your earliest convenience.
