How To Fight Back To Debt Collectors Who Cross The Line
Borrowers have the obligation to pay back their creditors
. However, due to unexpected turn of events, some borrowers may encounter difficulty in keeping up with their repayment. When debts are left unpaid for too long, a creditor can assign debt collection to another agency. When this happens, negotiating debts can become more challenging than ever.
There have been cases when debt collection agencies go beyond their boundaries when collecting payment from borrowers. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act clearly stipulates the rules of fair debt collection. Thus, if you feel that your debt collector is treating you in an undignified way, you have the right to take action. Listed below are the steps that you can do to fight back against debt collection agencies that cross the line:
Inform your State Attorney General. The laws of debt collection vary, depending on the state where you live. If you have issues or complaint against your debt collector, report it to your State Attorney Generals office. Upon receiving your complaint, an investigation will be conducted and the debt collection agency is guilty of violations, it shall be mandated to pay legal damages and abide by the laws restrictions.
Notify the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers must also file a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission. Although the FTC does not directly take action on each complaint, it gathers all complaints it receives. If there is sufficient proof of violations, the FTC has the power to completely shut down the debt collection agency. In fact, in December 2006, the FTC has shut down one debt collection agency and demanded a $1 million fine.
File a law suit against your debt collector. Borrowers can also take legal action and file a case against an abusive debt collector. If violations are proven in court, the debt collection agency will be demanded to pay damages amounting to as much as $1,000. Attorney fees and other legal cost will be recovered as well. If you plan to file a case, check procedures with the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
Know Your Consumer Rights
Remember that despite your debts, debt collectors must still treat you with respect and dignity. As a borrower, you are entitled to your rights especially with regards to protecting your privacy. For instance, a debt collector cannot call up a third party (relative, friend, or neighbor) to discuss about your debt problems or collect debts through them. Nor can a debt collector publicize your debts in print or any other forms of media. Details of your debts are a confidential matter which should only be kept between you and your debt collector. If your debt collector violates your privacy, you have the right to fight back.
All consumers need to be aware of their legal rights, in this case, with regards to debt collection practices. The FTC has listed the complete stipulations of the Fair Debt Collection Act. Check from the FTCs website and find out if your debt collector is committing violations against you.
by: Melanie James
Dealing With Debt Collectors Fair Debt Collection Why Should You Purchase Attitude Seeds Debt Settlement – Benefits and Effects Is There A Way I Can Dispute A Debt That Does Not Belong To Me? Get all the important information of Debt Help HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT Why not to purchase Diamond engagement rings? Debt Settlement Relief - Taking the Right StepsTo Get Out Of Debt Some Ways to Reduce Your Personal Debt Are You Looking Debt Settlement Net Branch? Honest Review on Debt Settlement USA Looking For A Fresh Debt-Free Start