Bill Collection

It isn’t surprising to hear reports of harassment performed by bill/debt collectors in the news. Such acts though considered illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is still very much prevalent. In this article, we will discuss the instances when you can say that you are being harassed by debt collectors or collection agencies.

The debt collectors can call you and ask you to pay your debts on due time. But, they are forbidden by the law to harass, threaten or abuse you. Below are some actions that are considered as harassments:

· Using of abusive, obscene or profane languages when talking to consumers.

· Repeated, annoying phone in appropriate times.

· Threatening consumers with lawsuits, liens, garnishments or arrest if they are unable to pay the bill.

· Consistent phone calls to the consumer’s neighbors, family, friends and employer.

· Calling in the employment agency even if the consumer has specifically stated that they should not call there.

Debt collectors are also prohibited to contact the consumer through postcard, threaten you and your family, and deposit post-dated checks before the bill is due. They are banned from making untrue statements and misrepresentations. Debt collectors claiming to be government officials, lawyers, attorneys are also not allowed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

If you think you have experienced any of the following abusive acts, you can file the necessary action in either the state or federal court within the year of the violation being committed. If the court proves the debt collectors guilty, consumers can recover damages for their loss, court costs and attorney’s fees. If consumers filed to file a suit within the year of the violation, they terminate their right to do so.