You probably know that there are countless rules surrounding debt and the borrowing of money from larger firms. There’s a reason, after all, that credit card offers are often laden in fine print! However, you may not know your rights when it comes to making late payments and dealing with debt collectors. These large entities have a such a large degree of financial power; what are your rights as a citizen under the law?
When it comes to debt collector harassment (collectors nagging you incessantly to pay the debts you owe), every U.S. citizen is offered a degree of protection. In other words, there are certain things debt collectors legally cannot do in an effort to collect money, and said debt collectors can face consequences if they are found guilty.
Think your debt collector might be on the hook for harassment? Only a trained debt attorney can assess your situation individually, but JD Haas, a firm of Minneapolis credit card debt lawyers, gives you a couple red flags below.
When It Comes to Credit Card Debt, You Should Never Feel Abused
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) legally prohibits debt collectors from harassing, abusing, or oppressing anyone whom they contact. This is quite the broad rule. Luckily, it gets broken down further. Any form of debt collector, under federal law, cannot:
● Use threats of violence to get you to pay up. If your creditor is using these intimidation tactics, you might be able to sue them for both damages and your attorney's fees. This section of the law also is written to include threats to harm someone’s reputation or property. In other words, a certain degree of professional conduct by debt collectors is required by law.
● Attempt to deceive you or others in any way, shape, or form. Under federal law, debt collectors are not allowed to misrepresent themselves or the amount of debt you owe when communicating with you or anyone else about your debt. A debt relief lawyer can help you interpret this large section of the FDCPA further.
● Threaten to do illegal things to you in an effort to get you to pay up. Depending on what kind of debt you hold, this could involve such threats as the seizure of property. Again, a credit card debt lawyer can help you determine your situational specifics.
Harassed by Collectors? JD Haas Can Help
Creditor law is broad and complicated; navigating it on one’s own is nearly impossible. That’s why you should hire a compassionate law firm like JD Haas to help. Give us a call today at 952-345-1025.