Debt collectors work for creditors to collect debts owed by consumers. They often contact people who owe money via phone calls, letters, and even text messages. If you owe money, you may receive a collection notice from a creditor.
Additionally, debt collectors should communicate to you using specific language while informing you of your rights. In the following blog, we discuss five things that debt collectors cannot do.
1. Publicly Shame You
Typically, debt collectors are not allowed to shame you in any way publicly. This includes calling your friends and coworkers. It also means they can’t use derogatory terms such as “deadbeat” or “thief” when contacting you, as this could lead to civil litigation.
So, it should be if you get a letter from a collector and it sounds insulting or threatening. Instead, it should stick to facts about what you owe and offer ways to pay back what you owe. Also, be sure to consult your construction attorney in FL about the same.
2. Threaten Violence or Arrest
Another thing is that debt collectors are not permitted to make threats of violence or arrest of yourself or others, including family members. Debt collectors can say something like, “You will be in trouble if you don’t repay this right away.” But they cannot arrest anyone (or their family) over this debt.
And they definitely cannot tell someone else to commit physical harm against themselves or another person. For example: “If you don’t pay us now, I will have some thugs come after you!” However, if you happen to receive a threat from a debt collector, be sure to contact a reputable debt collection attorney right away.
3. Use Deceptive Tactics
It’s common for debt collectors to trick consumers into paying up. One of the most prevalent lies is claiming that an employer or court ordered the consumer to pay off the debt. This isn’t true. The IRS does require people who fail to file tax returns to pay up, but it says nothing about making an ex-employee or student liable for a debt.
Debt collectors love using these types of lies to justify harassing people — especially when they know they’re wrong. Be wary.
One way to protect yourself is never to sign anything if you haven’t read it first. You can also consider signing it up with the help of a reputable construction attorney. If a caller tells you that you signed a contract or “agreed” to pay back a loan, you can ask them to prove that you did. This will help you avoid unnecessary Civil Litigation.
4. Harass Your Children
It’s illegal for debt collectors to communicate directly with children or pressure them to pay a parent’s debt. Creditors must talk to adults in the household first before contacting a child under 18 years old. They can’t threaten a child or demand payment because they carry an open account. The same goes for college students.
5. Call at Unusual Hours
Calls made outside business hours generally apply to businesses only. When a caller says they’re calling about a credit card debt, it’s usually best to hang up the phone.
There is no reason to be rude. It may seem harsh, but you probably want to spend your evening doing more important things than dealing with a collector if you work full time. Additionally, you can consider contacting your debt collection attorney as they can advise on how to handle those annoying calls.
Conclusion
If a collector calls too often or makes unreasonable demands, politely inform them that you prefer to speak with a supervisor. Remember that many legitimate companies will send out a collection manager instead. for more detail about debt collection, be sure to contact us today.