The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from harassment and abuse from debt collection agencies. The FDCPA requires debt collectors to validate debts and provides consumers with statutory damages and attorneys’ fees for violations. Examples of violations of the FDCPA include:
- Calling the consumer at work after the debt-collector has been told that it’s inconvenient or that the consumer’s employer prohibits personal calls.
- Telling others such as family members, co-workers, and neighbors that the consumer owes money.
- Continuing to contact the consumer when the debt-collector knows that an attorney represents the consumer.
- Calling repeatedly, or calling consumers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Asking neighbors to deliver phone messages to the consumer.
- Falsely implying that a debt collector is an attorney.
- Falsely implying that the consumer has committed a crime and could go to jail for not paying a debt.
- Threatening to seize, garnish, attach, or sell the consumer’s property or wages, unless there is already a legal judgment.
- Sending anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency, when it isn’t.
- Collecting any amount greater than the actual debt, unless allowed by law.
If you have been harassed, sued by a debt collector or have experienced one of the above examples of violations of the FDCPA, then you may be entitled to money damages.
Contact the Alabama Consumer Rights Attorneys at Martinson & Beason to protect your rights. Call toll free at 1-800-255-6534 or email us at info@mblawhsv.com