If you have unpaid debts, you may be all too familiar with the frequent calls, letters, and emails from creditors asking you to pay. You may be unfamiliar, however, with the rights afforded to you by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act was put in place by the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from creditor harassment.
The FDCPA categorizes improper creditor behavior into the general categories.
Harassment or Abuse
The first category includes creditor behavior that goes beyond what is reasonable. Creditors have strict procedures to follow, and if they go beyond what is normal, their actions may be considered abusive. Some examples of harassment or abuse include:
- Threatening the debtor’s reputation or physical person
- Using profanity
- Calling repeatedly or at inappropriate hours to annoy
False Representations
The behaviors that fall under this category include any instance where a lie is told or a misrepresentation is made by the creditor to coerce payment. Some examples include:
- Posing as an attorney
- Threatening imprisonment
- Threatening to publish the debtor’s information
Unfair Practices
Finally, this category includes actions outside of the legal scope of creditors. Some examples of unfair practices include:
- Collecting any amount from the debtor without permission
- Communicating with debtor by postcard
- Using logos or business names that do not belong to the creditor
Being Harassed by Creditors? We Can Help.
If a creditor has used any of these tactics, you may have a case. Dealing with debt can be stressful enough without being harassed by creditors. The Brevard County bankruptcy attorneys at Buchalter Law Group can help you seek relief from insistent creditors. We have 35+ years of experience helping clients, and we use this experience to seek the best possible outcome. Ready to get started? Call our firm at (321) 320-6088 today or fill out our online form to request your free initial consultation.