Harassment by a debt collector can come in different forms but examples include repetitious phone calls intended to annoy or abuse, obscene language, and threats of violence.
No harassment
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) says debt collectors can't harass, oppress, or abuse you or anyone else they contact.
Some examples of creditor harassment are:
Repetitious phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse, or harass you or any person answering the phone
Obscene or profane language
Threats of violence or harm
Publishing lists of people who refuse to pay their debts (this does not include reporting information to a credit reporting company)
Calling you without telling you who they are
You can also sue the debt collector for violations of the FDCPA. If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney’s fees and may also have to pay you damages.
No misrepresentations
The FDCPA also says debt collectors can't use false, deceptive, or misleading practices. This includes misrepresentations about the debt, including:
The amount owed
That the person is an attorney if they are not
False threats to have you arrested
Threats to do things that cannot legally be done
Threats to do things that the debt collector has no intention of doing
It is a good idea to keep a file of all letters or documents a debt collector sends you and copies of anything you send to a debt collector. Also, write down dates and times of conversations along with notes about what you discussed. These records can help you if you have a dispute with a debt collector, meet with a bankruptcy lawyer, or go to court.
If you believe a debt collector is harassing you, please call the Law Office of Susan G. Taylor (512) 476-2000. for a FREE consultation.