Debt Collection Harassment
Debt collection contact can be stressful and intimidating, especially iwhen you feel threatened. Debt collectors sometimes use abusive tactics, like threatening a lawsuit when none is intended, or threatening IRS reporting or tax consequences.
Collectors may also tell you that you can go to jail for owing money. This is a tactic that is used to intimidate, and has no legal standing. You can’t go to jail for owing money.
The Law is on your side
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is the main federal law that governs debt collection practices. It prohibits debt collection companies, or law firm collectors, from using abusive, harassing, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect debt from consumers. Whether you owe the debt or not, collectors are never allowed to intimidate, harass, threaten, or abuse you.
Cease & Desist Collection
If abusive collectors continue to contact you, send a Cease and Desist letter and request that collection calls and letters stop. The collector is not permitted to contact you after receipt of this letter. However, this does not mean the debt goes away. Typically, the debt is assigned to a new collection agency, or possibly a law firm collector, to begin a new collection effort.
Attorney Representation
If you are represented by an attorney that is handling your debts, the collector is not permitted to contact you. You must notify the collector of your attorney’s name and contact information and request that any contact about your debt be made directly with your attorney.
Third Party Contact
Collectors may not contact anyone but you about your debt. If family member, co-workers, neighbors or friends are contacted by a collector about your debt, your consumer rights may have been violated.
Seek Free Legal Help
Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of abusive collection tactics. Contact Us for a free evaluation of contact from debt collectors.
