We have all probably been there before. For whatever reason, sometimes due to our own fault, sometimes it’s just out of our control, but we find our selves behind on credit card payments, or car payments, or our mortgage… ect. Now the bill collectors are calling. How far is a collection company allowed to go to collect a debt?
Know Your Rights!!
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the North Carolina Fair Debt Collection Act holds debt collectors accountable for their actions. Below are some of the things debt collectors are not allowed to do:
- Harass a debtor to collect money. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, excessive phone calls or calling you at work after you tell them to stop.
- Making misrepresentations to collect a debt. Collectors are not permitted to act like they are law enforcement officers, lawyers, reporting agencies, threaten to garnish your wages, or threaten to file a lawsuit. (just to name a few)
- Debt collectors are required to provide written verification of proof if asked, and must inform the debtor that they have rights to dispute the debt.
Violating fair debt collection laws can result in statutory penalties, and the violator may be required to pay the consumer’s legal fees.
If you think you have been the victim of unfair debt collection practices, contact us at Miller Law Group, or call us at 919-348-4361.
