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Collection agencies and their debt collectors can be held liable by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Debt collection companies can be ordered to pay high fines for violations.
Violations such as debt collectors misleading, threatening, and harassing consumers. All of which are violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Some debt collectors, to make matters worse, threaten or falsely imply that consumers would have their wages garnished, property seized or initiate lawsuits or criminal actions against them for failure to pay. Some debt collectors call people at their place of business or home and disclose information to employers, co-workers, family members and neighbors. The FTC receives hundreds of complaints against collection agencies. However, it's up to all of us as consumers to make the FTC aware of these violations. Well, let this be fair warning: Debt collectors, you can no longer get away with violations of the FDCPA and with using abusive tactics. People are fighting back and are learning how to defend themselves. Consumers must me more informed of their rights under the law. Some debt collectors still choose to walk the line and in some cases walk right over the line and keep on going. All in an effort to recover outstanding debts. Debt collectors can be very intimidating and cause unwary people much undue stress. If you are a victim of such debt collector tactics, there are steps you can take to defend and protect yourself. It would be helpful to submit your complaint online using the FTC Consumer Complaint Form, www.ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.shtm (copy and paste to your browser). The FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, but your complaint will help with investigating any illegal actions. Further you can inform the debt collector that you are aware of your rights and that if they insist on violating the FDCPA you are prepared to submit your complaint to the FTC. Document the debt collectors name, collection agency name and address, phone number, date and time of all communications. This will certainly be helpful when contacting the Attorney General of your state to submit your complaint. Consider having a tape recorder handy the next time a debt collector chooses to go by the way side and violate the law. Remember, filing a complaint may not necessarily eliminate your outstanding debt, but by being aware of these methods, you may be in a position of power when the time comes to negotiate payment or settlement terms. Imagine how much leverage you will have when the debt collector's supervisor listens to the taped conversation of his employee violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Pretty powerful stuff. God Bless. Carlos D Cruz
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