Sponsored Links
Creditor harassment may not be a concern for some, but for others who have had past due bill, know it can be common practice. While harassment may sound like a harsh word to
use, you will be surprised by what many creditors will say to collect on a debt.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that debt collectors treat you fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection. According to the law, a creditor who threatens violence, using
obscene language and calling persistently with the intent to irritate and annoy is considered harassment. Also, calling home at odd hours or at work place if there has been a notification to not do
so or even calling up relatives or friends without your permission can all amount to harassment.
You can stop a debt collector from contacting you by writing a letter notifying the debt collector to stop contacting you. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again
except to say there will be no further contact or to notify you that the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action.
If you feel the creditor violated your rights by harassing you, then you are eligible to file suit against the debt collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was
violated. If you win, you may be able to recover money for the damages you suffered plus an additional amount up to $1,000. Court costs and attorney's fees can also can be recovered.
To begin to bring a lawsuit against a debt collector, you will want to contact your state Attorney General' s office and the Federal Trade Commission. Many states have their own debt collection laws,
and your Attorney General' s office can help you determine your rights.
Even though a consumer may owe a debt, large or small, it is important to know that a creditor has no legal right to verbally abuse or harass a debtor in order to collect on a past due debt.