Not all debt collectors heed the provisions laid out by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and if you have been targeted by an unscrupulous debt collector, you have rights. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, our Norristown debt collection harassment attorney is ready to serve as a staunch advocate, standing up for your right to be treated respectfully and fairly by debt collectors.
The FDCPA is a federal law put into place to protect consumers from unfair or abusive debt collectors and debt collection agencies. In passing the FDCPA into law, Congress found that abuse, deception, and unfair practice among debt collectors lead to job loss, personal bankruptcy, invasion of privacy, and marital issues. Despite its existence, though, there were more than 75,000 complaints of debt collection abuse in 2019, according to the Consumer Financial Bureau (CFB).
In addition to establishing the ethical guidelines to which collection agencies are legally required to adhere, the FDCPA also provides consumers with a means to challenge demands for payment and establish the accuracy and validity of debts.
Essentially, the law governs how, when, and with what frequency a third-party debt collector may communicate with a debtor. Furthermore, it limits who the debt collector can contact in regard to the debt. Debt collectors who are found to be in violation of the FDCPA may be ordered to pay damages and legal fees to the debtor.
Consumers are often unaware of the protections provided to them under the FDCPA. Some of the most commonly seen examples of FDCPA violations include:
Contrary to the actions of many unscrupulous debt collectors and debt collection agencies, there are stiff penalties for those who attempt to sidestep consumer protection laws when collecting past-due debt, whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, car loans, or other types of debt. If you have been the focus of harassment or intimidation by a debt collector, you have options. You may be able to collect compensation for the damages caused by the debt collector. Get in touch with the Norristown debt collection harassment attorney at The Weitz Firm, LLC for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.