Consider Using The Protection Of The Fair Debt.
What
Is The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
The FDCPA protects debtors who are contacted by collection agencies;
it generally does not apply to creditors and their employees collecting
their own debts.
The FDCPA regulates the types of conduct used by collection agencies
in collecting debts.
What Types Of Conduct Are Debt Collectors Forbidden To
Use?
-
Calling you at unusual times or places (earlier than
8 a.m. or later than 9 p.m.). Contacting you at times or places known
to be inconvenient to you, such as at work.
-
Telling
people about your debt.
-
Threatening you with violence.
-
Using false statements or giving false information
about the legal status of your debt.
-
Harassing you with continuous telephone calls.
- Using obscene language.
- Calling and not telling
you who they are.
- Using postcards or return
addresses that identify the debt collector.
What Do I Do If A Debt Collector Calls Me?
If you take a call from a debt collector you should write down the following information:
- Their name,
- Their company’s name,
- How you may contact them,
- What the bill is for and how much the bill is.
Do not agree to do anything until you have given it serious thought. Do not commit to anything that you know you cannot do.
How Can I Stop Collector Contacts?
Hang up the telephone
Send the collection agency a letter telling them to stop contacting you.
Your letter may look like the following
Dear
Sir or Madam:
I am writing to request that you cease further communication with me
concerning the debt or debts that you are attempting to collect from
me. This is my right as provided in the Fair Debt Collections Practices
Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c), Ceasing Communication, which states:
"If
a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses
to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease
further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not
communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except:
1)
to advise the consumer that the debt collector's further efforts are
being terminated;
2)
to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke
specific remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector
or creditor; or
3)
where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or
creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.
If
such notice from the consumer is made by mail, notification shall be
complete upon receipt."
Your
cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
What If I Believe The Collector Is Violating The FDCPA?
You
can sue a collector who violates the law.
The
FDCPA allows consumers to recover up to $1,000 plus their attorney fees
even when their violation is small.
What Should I Do If I Receive Any Legal Papers?
Contact us at our toll free
number 1-800-634-5263.
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