Los Angeles Lawyer to Help with Complaints Against Debt Collectors
Have you been victimized by the illegal practices of debt collectors? If you need debt collection protection, contact the Southern California law firm of Robert L. Starr. For over 13 years, he has been an attorney fighting for the rights of consumers.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers. It spells out what debt collectors can and can't do to collect and disclose information about what you owe a company. The FDCPA rules includes "strict liability" - if the collector violates the act in any way, their intent to collect the debt is beside the point. Third party collection companies can be fined up to $1,000 for each violation of the debt collection rules. Victims of abuse and harassment from the illegal collection practices are entitled to compensation - now the debt collector has to pay the debtor.
Put an End to Creditor Harassment
If you are being harassed by debt collectors, the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act could put an end to it. The act places a number of guidelines, restrictions, and responsibilities on debt collectors including:
- They must attempt to educate you about the collections process
- They cannot call your home repeatedly or after certain hours, to harass you
- They must warn you that they are using information you give them for debt collection
- They cannot call your work about your debt
- They cannot call your neighbors about your debt
Unfortunately, the act only applies to third party debt collectors. Attorney Robert L. Starr has been helping consumers for over decade and has a thorough understanding of the act and can help you determine if your situation is covered. Contact our Southern California office or call us toll-free at 888-366-4080.
Some common ways debt collectors violate the FDCPA
Creditor Harassment - a collection agency may not harass you. They can call you at home, but they cannot repeatedly call you for the purpose of harassing you. You also have the right to stop collection calls by writing to the collection agency and informing them that you do not want to be called. This will not erae the debt, but it should stop the phone calls.
False Statements - a collection agency can't lie or mislead you to collect a debt - this includes suggesting that you committed a crime or may go to jail, falsely imply they are an attorney, law firm, or government agency, or misrepresent the amount of what you owe for the debt.
Improper Disclosure - a collection agency cannot disclose your debt or imply you owe a debt to family members or co-workers. Although they may call people to verify your employment, contact information, or location, if they talk about your debt the collection company violates the FDCPA rules.
Contact our Law Office if you believe the a debt collector has done any of the above, violating the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act. We can protect your rights and help solve your problems with creditors harassing you.
In addition, collection agencies cannot contact you once they have been informed you retained a lawyer. We are here to protect your rights. If you are improperly harassed by a collection agency, or if a collection agency has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you may be entitled to actual damages, $1000.00, attorney's fees, and court costs.
Call 818-224-7691 or e-mail us to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our office in Woodland Hills is open 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, with other times available by appointment. We are conveniently located by the 101 Freeway, off the Woodlake Avenue exit (northbound 101) or the Valley Circle exit (southbound 101). .
