Many consumers don’t know that they are protected from being harassed by bill collectors. In fact, not only are you protected, but you may also be able to be awarded damages. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was put into place by the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from debt collector harassment.
Know what bill collectors can and can’t do
There are guidelines set by the FDCPA regarding what bill collectors can and can’t do. If you think a collector is violating any of the rules, it’s important to keep record of everything. Here are some of the most common violations that take place:
- Calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Using abusive language or harassing you in any way
- Calling continuously
- Speaking to a third party about your debt, such as friends or family members
- Threatening criminal charges
- Trying to sue you for debt that has passed the Statute of Limitations in your state
- Failing to send proper notice of the debt
- Falsely misrepresenting themselves in any way
- They claim to be affiliated with a government agency when they aren’t
- Threat of wage garnishment
If FDCPA rules are violated, you can collect damages
An experienced attorney can evaluate your case to see if your consumer rights have been violated. If it’s decided that you can sue a creditor in court, there are many damages you can sue for, such as:
- Physical distress
- Emotional distress
- Wage garnishment recovery
- Statutory damages of $1,000 per violation
- Recovery of attorney costs and fees
Are you dealing with debt collector harassment? If so, there’s help out there. Don’t let the stress of your financial situation affect you negatively any longer. You won’t know the right option for you unless you speak with a professional and experienced Alabama and Georgia FDCPA attorney who understands.
Give me a call today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. Take the initiative and don’t delay. Our FDCPA lawyers can help you resolve your debt problems.
