Consumers Have Rights against Unfair and Deceptive Debt Collection Practices

Regardless of whether the economy is booming or busting, there may be times when some of your bills go unpaid. This situation can happen to most anyone. However, that does not mean you, as the consumer, are at the mercy of overly aggressive and abusive debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act and statutes in certain other jurisdictions provide protections to consumers from unfair and deceptive debt collection practices. Some unfair debt collection practices include:

• numerous telephone calls, especially robo-calls or calls after 9 PM;
• failure to identify itself as a debt collector;
• failure to provide notice of one’s right to dispute or question the debt amount;
• improperly informing others of your debt or the status of your debt;
• attempting to collect amounts not actually due or even owed;
• using abusive language or tactics when discussing your debt;
• threatening legal actions against you without the proper basis;
• continuing to contact you after you have disputed the debt.

You may be experiencing these types of unfair and deceptive debt collection tactics. Federal and state laws provide remedies to consumers who have been the victim of unfair and deceptive debt collection practices. Remedies include statutory damages and actual damages which can include emotional distress. The law also provides that the debt collector must pay your attorneys’ fees when violations are proven to level the playing field between you, the consumer, and the debt collection company. If you have been the victim of unfair and deceptive debt collection practices, contact the law firm of Henrichsen Siegel, P.L.L.C. to find out your legal rights as a consumer. With experienced lawyers in Florida, Georgia, the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions, we are here to assist you with protecting your rights.