The phone rings again and the debt collector tells you that unless you send money now...
The debt collection industry is a collection of professionals at one end and low-class, say anything-to-make-a buck low lifes at the other.
We get calls everyday from clients who are almost in tears after receiving a bad call from a collector.
Usually, the collector will tell you how much you owe and how its your responsibility to pay this bill, regardless of how hard things are.
Problem is, the collector usually goes beyond what the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA) states what they can and cannot do.
DID YOU KNOW???
Harassment is the single most prohibitive action.
They cannot harass or use abusive language to you or any third party that may be helping you.
That a debt collector may not:
- Use threats of violence
- Publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts
- Use obscene or profane language
- Make false statements, such as:
- You will be arrested if you don’t pay
- That they will seize, garnish, attach or sell your property without legal authority
- Threaten to take legal action if they don’t intend to do so
- A creditor is not permitted to call you before 8am or after 9am
- Cannot contact you at work after you have requested them not to by mail or fax
If you feel the collector has violated your rights, you may contact your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov).
To learn more about debt collection practices and your rights under the law, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov .
You have several alternatives to take care of your debt problem. Don't be intimidated by a collector.
If you need help, you should contact a professional debt management company.
