At The Wood Firm PLLC, we fight to protect consumers from illegal debt collection practices. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that sets strict rules on how debt collectors can interact with you. If a debt collection agency violates your rights, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Below are the most common FDCPA violations that debt collectors commit.
1. Harassing or Abusive Behavior
Debt collectors cannot harass, threaten, or intimidate you. Some examples of harassment include:
✅ Repeatedly calling you multiple times a day
✅ Using profane or abusive language
✅ Threatening violence, arrest, or legal action they have no authority to take
✅ Calling you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM (your local time)
2. Contacting You at Work After You Ask Them to Stop
If a debt collector knows or has reason to know that your employer does not allow collection calls at work, they must stop calling you there.
3. Calling You After You Request Communication to Stop
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you in writing. Once they receive your Cease and Desist Letter, they can only contact you:
🔹 To inform you that they are ceasing collection efforts
🔹 To notify you of a legal action being taken
If they continue to call, they are violating the law.
4. Misrepresenting the Debt
Debt collectors cannot lie about the debt they are collecting. Common misrepresentations include:
🚫 Claiming you owe a higher amount than you actually do
🚫 Saying they are law enforcement officers or attorneys when they are not
🚫 Threatening arrest or wage garnishment without legal grounds
5. Talking to Third Parties About Your Debt
Debt collectors cannot discuss your debt with anyone except:
✔️ You
✔️ Your spouse
✔️ Your attorney
If they contact your family, friends, neighbors, or employer and disclose details about your debt, they are breaking the law.
6. Failing to Send a Debt Validation Notice
Within five days of their first contact, debt collectors must send you a written notice stating:
📌 The amount of the debt
📌 The name of the original creditor
📌 Your right to dispute the debt within 30 days
If they fail to send this notice, they are violating the FDCPA.
7. Adding Unauthorized Fees or Interest
A debt collector cannot charge you additional fees, interest, or other costs unless your original contract allows it or your state law permits it.
What to Do If Your FDCPA Rights Are Violated
If you believe a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, you may be eligible for:
💰 Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit
💰 Compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and attorney fees
At The Wood Firm PLLC, we help consumers like you fight back against illegal debt collection tactics.
📞 Call us today at 844-638-1122
📧 Email us at help@protectionforconsumers.
Your rights matter—don’t let debt collectors take advantage of you. Contact us today for a free consultation!
