It goes without saying that paying back a loan is a stressful and trying time for anyone. However, these feelings should not be exacerbated by your debt collector harassing you and using threatening behavior.
Even though your creditors deserve to be repaid in a timely fashion, it is illegal for them to use unprofessional and aggressive actions towards you. You deserve privacy and peace, and you may be entitled to a legal battle if you are a victim of debt collection harassment.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
In order to protect debtors from harassment, the Federal Trade Commission has created a guide of regulations known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
The FDCPA is to be used in accordance with household loans, including mortgage payments, medical bills, student loan repayments, auto loans, and credit cards. It does not include protection when it comes to business law of any kind.
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector has to abide by strict rules and they are not allowed to:
Harass you: The debt collectors aren’t allowed to repeatedly contact you multiple times a day or use accusatory or profane language.
Threaten you: Under no circumstances can a debt collector threaten you with acts of violence. They also are not allowed to threaten to add illegal fees or interest to your original loan, threaten to garnish your wages, sell your assets, or arrest you.
Lie or withhold information: It is illegal for a debt collector to lie to you about their identity, say you have committed a crime, or change the amount you owe them without any explanation.
Contact times: There are rules in place so the debt collectors cannot contact you at inopportune times, so they must contact you only between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm. They also are not allowed to contact you at your place of employment unless you have given your expressed consent.
Signs of Debt Collector Harassment
If you are experiencing any of the following, please call a debt collection lawyer today so he or she can get started on working on your privacy protection.
- Asking you to pay more than what your original loan agreement states
- Calling or texting repeatedly within the same day
- Calling at all hours of the night
- Contacting friends and family members multiple times
- Not sending a legal notice explaining how much debt you owe
- Ignore your requests for verification of the loan
- Be very vague when explaining who they are and why they are calling
- Threaten to bring a lawsuit against you when you are paying on time
You can be entitled to a lawsuit and financial compensation if your debt collector has contacted you using illegal actions. An experienced team can help navigate the legal system for you and act as your advocate when it comes to protecting your privacy during debt replacements.
If you have any questions about debt collection harassment and how to get started with making a legal claim, please do not hesitate to call an attorney today.
