Debt Harassment is common. Did you know that most people who owe a debt or multiple debts are afraid to encounter a debt collector? Some people may be fearful or at least reluctant to take a debt collector’s phone call. Others don’t want to read letters about the debt that they owe. However, it is far better to face the facts and deal with debt collectors. That being stated, you should understand that you have rights and are protected by law. The very first place you should look for answers regarding exactly what debt collectors are allowed to do, and what debt collectors are not allowed to do is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, also known as the FDCPA for short.
In essence, it is a federal law that was put into place in order to stop abuses that consumers suffer from debt collectors. This is also known as debt harassment. The intent of the FDCPA is to protect you from harassment, threats, unwanted calls to the workplace and disclosing the existence of debts to friends and neighbors to name a few. These are some of the underhanded tactics that some debt collectors resort to in order to force you to pay the debt. In essence, debt collectors, also known as collection agencies, are companies hired on a commission basis by credit card issuers, banks, and businesses to collect on past-due accounts.
Debt collectors may also purchase bad credit card debt and other loan debt outright from financial institutions and other lenders. These debt buyers own the debt and the right to collect the full amount of the outstanding debt. Consumers contacted by debt collection agencies can request written verification or proof of their debts, however they must do so in writing with a verification letter that must be sent within thirty (30) days of the initial contact from the debt collector. Debt Harassment calls are illegal and letters must stop until the debt is verified. The letter should be sent through certified mail. That way you will have proof in hand that the debt collector received the letter.
The debt collector must do one of two things upon receipt of the verification letter. They must provide verification of the debt with information to help the consumer understand the identity of the original creditor. The debt collector can either provide that verification and can resume collection. However, if the debt collector cannot provide that verification, they must cease collection on that account. That being stated, asserting your rights under the Fair Debt Collection law doesn’t absolve you of your obligation to pay the debt if you truly owe it.
If you feel that you are being treated unfairly by a creditor or collection agency, please contact us immediately. Legal Rights Advocates, Inc. is a consumer advocate law firm that focuses on consumer rights protection services against Debt Harassment across the Unites States. We have well over twenty-five (25) years of combined experience helping consumers that are experiencing Debt Harassment, Social Security Disability issues, and a whole lot more. LRA is truly your consumer rights advocate. We take great pride in the fact that our job is to protect you from deceptive and or abusive debt collection practices.
LRA is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, and we have well over 500 Five Star Rating Reviews online from across the United States. Our goal is to assist you each and every step of the way regarding your rights for consumer protection. Please call us today for more information on Debt Harassment at 855-254-7841 or click here to visit our website. We look forward to working with you.
(855) 254-7841
(855) 254-7841
