Struggling with considerable debt can be stressful for numerous reasons. One of the most stressful parts about it is being pursued by debt collectors. Collection agencies are entitled to pursue a debt within the confines of the law. Unfortunately, there are occasions where they do not meet the legal standards set out by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCA).
Harassment from debt collectors is something that you do not have to put up with. Outlined below are a few common examples.
Nuisance calls
While debt collectors are permitted to call you, there are restrictions on the times and number of occasions that they can do this. For instance, calling multiple times per hour would likely be deemed excessive. Additionally, calling before 8am and after 9pm is usually prohibited unless a debtor has specifically requested calls at these times.
Public shaming
A debt is a matter to be settled between you and your creditor. While debt collectors may be allowed to contact your place of work to try and locate you, they cannot discuss the details of your case with your colleagues or supervisors in an attempt to shame you. Additionally, debt collection agencies cannot publish details of your case via social media channels or any other public platform.
Threatening behavior
Using threatening language or violence is also unlawful. It’s important to note that debt collection agencies have no powers of arrest, and being in debt is not a crime in itself. Some companies may try to convince you that you could be arrested for not paying up. This is simply not true.
Facing debt can feel overwhelming, but with proactive steps, you can improve the situation quickly. Seeking legal guidance is a good place to start.
