subject: Debt Collection Harassment [print this page] Here are some things you need to know to protect your rights. A debt collector cannot:
1. Harass you in any way;
2. Call you excessively;
3. Call a third party (other than your spouse) such as your employer, roommate, relative, neighbor;
4. Leave a voice mail message that does not comply with the law. For example, they fail to state, This is _______ from _________ and I am calling to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. That phrase must be on every voicemail and/or letter you receive.
5. Call you repeatedly after you tell them you cannot pay the debt;
6. Call after you send them a Cease and Desist letter;
7. Call you for a debt that is not yours;
8. Call you at work after you tell them not to;
9. Threaten you in any way (sue you, garnish wages, take other legal action, threaten a crime, etc.);
10. Try to trick you by sending you fake letters or court appearances;
11. Call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. or on Sunday
These are just some examples. Debt collectors must not do anything to deceive you and must treat you with respect.
If you do have an FDCPA claim, the best news is that you can hire a lawyer free of charge. The most beneficial aspect of the FDCPA is that the statute requires that the DEFENDANT pay all legal fees on your behalf which means that lawyers will not charge you a dime. The FDCPA also provides that the consumer may receive up to $1,000.00 in statutory damages as well as any actual damages they suffer as a result of an FDCPA violation.
For further information, please contact www.westopdebtcollectors.com by calling 1-800-875-3666 or fill the form available in the site at the right navigation to find out if you qualify for a case.
