If you're being harassed by a debt collection agency, remember that it's just that - harassment. You still have rights under the law. Here's what to do if you're being harassed by a debt collection agency.
Determine if it's harassment
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protect you against harassment from debt collection agencies. You'll know it's harassment if:
- You're getting repetitive phone calls that are clearly intended to harass you
- The caller uses obscenity or profanity
- The caller threatens you with physical harm
- The caller doesn't tell you who they are
- The caller publishes your name as a debtor without your permission
Ask questions
Legally, debt collection agencies are required to answer a few questions about your debt, but only if you know what to ask. You should ask:
- The name of the person or organization to whom you owe money
- How much you owe
- How to dispute the debt
- How to verify that the debt legitimate
If the debt collection agency can't answer these questions via phone, they are required to send you the information in writing within five days of your asking.
Submit a complaint
If you're being harassed by a debt collection agency, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online or by phone. You can also contact your state's attorney general.
Contact us for legal help
If you've determined that you're being harassed by debt collectors and asking questions and submitting a complaint hasn't helped, you have the right to sue the debt collection agency for violating the FDCPA.
The Eason Law Firm, LLC is a consumer protection firm that specializes in winning FDCPA cases. If you have been the victim of harassment from debt collection agencies, contact James Eason online or at (314) 932-1066 to schedule a free consultation. If we're successful in your FDCPA case, the debt collection agency will pay your attorney's fees and possibly damages.