The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a law that protects you from unruly, aggressive, and harassing debt collectors.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices act provides for rules that a collector must follow when they are attempting to collect a debt. This law allows you to receive $1,000 in damages even if the debt collector has not caused you actual damages. In certain circumstances, you may be entitled to recover additional compensatory damages for any injuries you suffered.
Your rights
If a third party debt collector is trying to collect a debt from you, you have rights:
- A collector must send you written notice of your rights within 5 days of the time they initially contact you.
- You can request additional information about the debt from the debt collector.
Debt collectors cannot engage in the following conduct when trying to collect a debt:
- Make false, deceptive, or misleading statements.
- Contact you without identifying themselves.
- Contacting third parties such as friends or family members multiple times.
- Place repetitive and harassing phone calls.
- Threaten violence, or use violence while collecting debts.
- Stating that they are affiliated with the United States or any state in connection with collecting the debt.
- Collecting an amount that they are not authorized to collect.
- Accept or ask for a post-dated check.
- Falsely stating that they are an attorney, sheriff, or any other law enforcement agent.
- Claiming that you must make immediate payment or you will face a lawsuit.
Olstein Law Debt Collection Lawyers are Here to Help
If you are experiencing any abusive collection tactics, contact a Chicago debt collection harassment lawyer at Olstein Law LLC for a free consultation. We are here to fight for you.
If you are dealing with a debt collector we suggest that you do the following:
- Take detailed notes on each interaction, including the date and time of the call by the debt collector. Keep a notepad next to your telephone to make sure you record these calls.
- Record the debt collector’s telephone numbers when they contact you.
- Save all letters, emails, and other written correspondence from the collector.
- If a debt collector leaves you a message on your voicemail or answering machine, make sure to save your messages.
Contact Olstein Law LLC immediately for your free consultation.
