Debt Collection Harrasement

As the end of the year approaches it is a good time for all of us to reflect on our 2013 New Year’s resolutions. Whether that resolution was to pay down your mortgage, go on more vacations, spend more time with the family etc. . it is important to reflect on those stumbling blocks that made it difficult or impossible to follow through on last year’s resolution. Finding and removing that stumbling block will go a long way in making 2014 a more successful year.

If medical bills, credit card debt, or like was one of those stumbling blocks, this blog can go a long way on the process to help you remove that stumbling block.

The FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICE ACT (“FDCPA”) is a federal law enacted to protect consumers against collection agencies. The law entitles the consumer to up to $1,000.00 in statutory fees, whether you owe the money or not, plus attorney fees.  In certain cases the consumer is also able to get the debt waived and have the debt removed from their credit report.

What you the consumer need to do if you are in collections:

1.       Save all your letters

2.       Save any and all of your voicemails

3.       Record all phone conversations

4.       Dispute that you owe the debt (whether this is true or not this will go a long way in stopping the harassment).

Common violations include –

1.       Calls at strange times

2.       Telling a third party about your debt

3.       Leaving a message on your phone without saying it’s from a debt collector

4.       Making false statements

5.       Making threats

6.       Not notifying you of your right to verify and dispute the bill

Marcus Law, LLC is a consumer rights law firm. Feel free to send over your collection letters or collection calls to ari@marcuslawnj.com or call us at 732-660-8169 for review.

Wishing everyone and happy and healthy new years.