Three facts consumers should know about the FDCPA
Debt is a normal part of life for many Landover residents. They may have secured debts, such as those attached to their motor vehicles or homes. They may also have unsecured debts, such as those they incur on their credit cards or through medical bills. Debt does not always have to be a problem if a person can stay on top of their payments and reduce their principal based on their repayment plan.
However, there are many reasons that staying ahead of debt is just not possible. From lost jobs to struggling economic conditions, many hardworking men and women fight day to day to pay off their loans and keep themselves financially solvent. When they cannot keep up, they can find themselves seemingly victimized by the wrongful collection practices of debt collectors.
Consumers are protected from wrongful and illegal collections tactics through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). There are many ways FDCPA protects individuals, but this post will highlight 3 of its most significant inclusions. Readers who have concerns and questions about the debt collection practices that they have been subjected to are invited to contact knowledgeable debt relief attorneys in their communities for support.
Fact #1: You cannot be threatened or harassed over your outstanding debts
Collections agencies and their employees may not engage in harassment or threatening behaviors when they communicate with individuals subject to debt collections. Individuals cannot be victimized by duress or force or be compelled to pay because they are scared for their safety. When these wrongful forms of communication occur, debtors can invoke their rights to fair treatment.
Fact #2: Collections agencies have limited reach to contact you
It is impermissible for collectors to contact debtors during inconvenient times. For example, they cannot call or make contact in the late hours of the night or early morning. Similarly, they cannot contact debtors when the debtors are at work if the debtors have so indicated. When a debtor is represented by an attorney, collections agents must communicate through the debtor’s legal representative.
Fact #3: Collections agencies cannot lie to you about who they are
Just as collections agents cannot threaten or harass individuals, they also cannot misrepresent who they are or lie about their positions. Individual debtors must be given honest information when appropriate communications are made.
There are many ways the law protects debtors from unscrupulous creditors and their collections agents. An attorney can support and advise their client on how best to deal with creditor issues. This post provides information only and should not be read as legal advice.
