There are many situations which can lead to financial difficulties. This can be stressful and difficult on its own, but when you start getting debt collectors calling you at all hours, it can become almost unbearable. Fortunately, you do have important rights when it comes to debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) offers you important protections, so make sure you are aware of them and put an end to the harassment.
The following are some of the most important rights you have. Take some time to familiarize yourself with them and if any of these rights are violated, contact a consumer law attorney who can help you in dealing with the problem.
After Hours Contacts
Debt collectors are only allowed to call you between the hours of 8AM and 9PM. If they call you outside of these hours they are violating the law and can face significant penalties. Remember, these times are in your time zone so it doesn’t matter from where the debt collector is calling. If they contact you outside of these hours, make sure to document every phone call.
Contacting You at Work
Debt collectors can call you on your work number, but only until you notify them that you are not permitted to get these types of calls. You can notify them verbally or in writing. After you have given them this notification they must stop calling your work number immediately.
Use Harassing or Abusive Language
While debt collectors do not have to be polite, they cannot use harassing or abusive language while talking to you or anyone else about your debt. While this is a somewhat vague rule, a basic standard is that you should not feel threatened. If the debt collector is swearing at you or using threatening language, record every call and have an attorney review it.
Use Deception to Collect the Debt
Debt collectors can’t lie to you about the amount of money you owe or make false claims about what is going to happen. For example, the debt collector can’t say they are going to have the police arrest you if you don’t make a payment since they cannot legally do so.
If you believe that a debt collector has broken any of these rules, contact an attorney to review the case. If laws have been broken you may be entitled to have your debt forgiven or even receive compensation for your trouble.
If you are being harassed by debt collectors, we can help. Please contact us today for more information.
