There are tons of people out there right now that owe a lot of money to creditor due to the rough economic times. Thanks to job losses, lack of health insurance coverage, and the reduction in government benefit programs, a great deal of hard working American citizens are having trouble making ends meet. That leads to people making late payments and missing payments entirely. When you miss multiple payments in a row, the original credit will most likely send your debt account to a professional debt collection agency.
Debt collectors are defined as parties who try to collect debts on accounts that are not being paid. The good news is that federal consumer protection laws set the limits regarding how far debt collection agencies can go in order to collect delinquent debts from consumers. You need to keep in mind that just because you owe them money, collection agencies are not allowed to either harass or frighten you. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA for short, is the federal law that controls the practices of debt collection companies including their interactions with consumers.
In addition, the Federal Trade Commission is the main federally sponsored agency that is in charge of enforcing the FDCPA. In essence, it’s their job to try to stop abusive, deceptive, and unfair behavior that some debt collectors utilize. The FDCPA mandates how, when, and where debt collection efforts may occur, and with whom debt collectors can share your private debt related information. They also clearly spell out the type of language and manners that a debt collector must use when dealing with you. For example, they are not allowed to curse, harass, or threaten you in any manner.
Debt collectors must also be completely truthful in their dealing with you including providing you with the required notices in a timely manner. If you are experiencing debt harassment you may file a private lawsuit in either federal or state court for FDCPA violations. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission provides consumers with educational information regarding exactly what debt collection agencies may do and what they may not do in their efforts to collect money from you. Consumers may also file complaints about FDCPA violations with the Federal Trade Commission.
The agency may investigate the situation, and bring enforcement actions against the debt collection agency if they are truly guilty. Now is the best time to protect yourself and assert your rights as an American citizen.
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 across the Unites States. We have well over twenty-five (25) years of combined experience helping consumers that are experiencing Debt Collector 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 at 855-254-7841 or click here to visit our website. We look forward to working with you.
