Thousands of collection agencies contact consumers each year without having sufficient knowledge about such practices, like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA). What does that mean for you? Read on.
The FDCPA was enacted by Congress in order to delineate the rights of consumers, as well as establish guidelines in regards to collection practices by debt collectors. This act provides you with the tools you need to regain your power and control. The law says that debt collectors must treat you with truth, fairness, dignity and respect. Any debt collector who doesn't work within these very clear guidelines and abuses you while attempting to collect a consumer debt can be sued in Federal court for damages under this act. The FDCPA does not cover the original creditor, but does apply to anyone who regularly collects debts on behalf of their clients, including collection agencies and debt buyers who purchased your debt from the original creditor and attorney law firms who regularly collect debts.
Just a few examples:
-
Calling your family, friends, neighbors, employers to collect a debt.
-
Leaving abusive phone messages (voice mails included).
-
Disrespectful: insulting, yelling or swearing at you.
-
Calling you at work, after you've asked them not to.
To help support your accusations, there are several steps that you should take:
-
Save all your voice mail and phone messages.
-
List all call dates/times as well as who you spoke with.
-
Take notes during conversations, especially key points.
