Debt Collection Practices Law

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits a wide range of unlawful collection methods that debt collectors use in their attempts to collect debts. The FDCPA covers personal, family and household debts, including auto loans, medical bills, mortgage, and money you owe on personal credit cards. A debt collector may have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act if they have engaged in any of the following lists of practices:

  • A debt collector uses threats of harm or violence.

  • A debt collector uses obscene or profane language.

  • A debt collector contacts you at any time or place that is inconvenient.

  • A debt collector contacts you at your place of business if they know this is prohibited. 

  • A debt collector threatens to publicize your name as a person who owes debt.

  • A debt collector falsely claims that they are an attorney or government representative.

  • A debt collector falsely claims that you have committed a crime.

  • A debt collector communicates with your neighbors or family members about your debt.

  • A debt collector contacts you excessively with the intent to annoy, harass, or abuse you.

  • A debt collector misrepresents the amount of money that you owe. 

  • A debt collector states that you will be arrested if you don't pay your debt.

  • A debt collector claims they will seize, garnish, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law and plan to do so.

  • A debt collector uses a false company name.

  • A debt collector contacts you by postcard.

These are just some of the examples of debt collector Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations. If you are questioning whether or not a debt collector is allowed to do what they have done or are currently doing to you, their activity may be a violation of the FDCPA.   Additional information about debt collection practices can be found at the Erbe Law Firm Blog.

Harley Erbe seeks to provide legal advocacy and protection for consumers who are being harassed by debt collectors or whose rights are being violated.  If you feel that your rights may have been infringed upon, please contact Erbe Law Firm today for a consultation.