When you are in debt, you’re likely already experiencing negative side effects, from stress to a plummeting credit score. The last thing you need is someone harassing you over the debt! Luckily, there are entities that can help, like a Los Angeles, California debt defense lawyer from LA Legal Solutions and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Keep reading to discover what constitutes debt collection abuse and what your legal rights as a consumer are.
What Are Examples of Debt Collection Abuse?
Even though you have debt, there are laws in place to help ensure that you are protected from unfair and abusive practices. However, many collection agents and companies disregard these rules, despite the legal implications. If you experience any of the following actions, which are prohibited under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you should consider legal action:
- Receiving phone calls about debt before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
- Numerous phone calls in a short period of time
- Discussing someone else’s debt with anyone else, such as a roommate or employer
- Deceiving the person as a means to collect the debt
- Using abusive, vulgar, or threatening language
- Accusing someone of owing a debt that does not exist or has already been paid
- Pretending to be a government entity or law enforcement officer
- Threaten to have you arrested over a debt
- Threatening to foreclose a home or repossess a vehicle if the debt is not paid
When you experience any of the aforementioned practices, you may be hesitant to take action against the debt collector for fear of retaliation, especially if they have been threatening or aggressive. If you ever feel unsafe or they threaten you with physical violence, you should contact the police to handle the situation. While they cannot handle the alleged owed debt, they can deal with an aggressive collector.
What Can I Do if I’m Facing Harassment?
If you are facing harassment or have experienced any behavior from debt collectors that violates the FDCPA, you do not have to accept it as a punishment for owing a debt. Even when you are in debt, you still have rights that protect you.
You should document the harassment you’re experiencing, such as call logs that depict calls outside of legal hours or multiple calls over a short period, how often a debt collector comes to your home, and any information they leave behind that is misleading or threatening, as these call all be used to help you if you take legal action.
Finally, you’ll want to contact LA Legal Solutions. Our dedicated legal team understands how overwhelming debt can be, especially when it leads to collection abuse. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you through this challenging time by scheduling a consultation with a competent attorney.
