subject: The Fdcpa Violations [print this page] The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal statute enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect consumers from unfair and unscrupulous debt collection methods. Although the debt collectors can collect the debt they should do it using fair practices. Any non compliance with the FDCPA would be tantamount to violation and is punishable.
Debt collection agencies use certain illegal methods to collect debts from you. The FDCPA ascertains that such illegal practices are brought to book and tried for violations under the Act.
The illegal tactics employed by debt collectors:
* Call you but do not reveal their identities
* Contact you before 8 am or after 9 pm
* Call you repeatedly
* Do not give name or address of the company they work for
* Contact you more than once after you have asked not to be contacted
* They call you at your office even after you inform of your or your employer's disapproval
* Call you after you have sent a written notice that you will not pay
* Attempt to contact you even when you are represented by an attorney
* Give wrong information that they are attorneys
* Quote more than what you owe
* Threaten to take legal action that is not intended
* Threaten you with wage garnishment or legal action
The FDCPA came into existence primarily to protect consumers against unfair debt collection practices and debt collector harassment. The Act also lays down rules for fair debt collection.
It is of immense help if you know your rights under the FDCPA. With the rights in place it becomes very difficult for debt collectors to take advantage of innocent consumers who are quite often at the mercy of unethical debt collectors.
If a debt collector calls you it will be of great help to keep calm, listen to him/her and not get into any argument. The best situation you can create during these calls is to keep the FDCPA at your fingertips. Your knowledge of the Act is enough to keep the debt collectors at bay. If they persist you may consider engaging an FDCPA attorney.
Attorney Brian Parker of www.collectionstopper.com has tried many debt collection harassment cases. There is no fee for representation at www.collectionstopper.com. You can submit details at www.collectionstopper.com for a free evaluation.
