Debt collection harassment is stressful for many, especially if third party collectors like Phillips Cohen & Associates employ aggressive tactics that violate consumer rights. If you are experiencing such harassment, it’s crucial to understand your rights and take proactive steps to stop it. In this guide, we’ll discuss the types of debt collection harassment you may encounter, the laws that protect you, and how The Wood Law Firm can help stop Phillips Cohen & Associates debt collection harassment and other unlawful debt collection practices.
The Laws Protecting You From Debt Collection Harassment
The laws governing debt collection are in place to ensure that consumers are not subject to undue stress or financial exploitation. Unfortunately, many debt collectors often cross the line into harassment. However, with the proper knowledge, you can protect yourself.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA is the primary federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Debt collectors cannot:
- Harass or intimidate you with calls: They cannot call you at unreasonable hours (before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.) or use threatening language.
- Falsely represent: They cannot misrepresent themselves or the debt owed.
- Aggressive communication: Debt collectors cannot threaten you with actions they cannot legally take, such as wage garnishment, without a court order or imprisonment.
- Revealing debt information: They are prohibited from discussing your debt with others, such as friends, family, or co-workers, unless you have permission.
Phillips Cohen & Associates has reports of violating these provisions in several instances. Under the FDCPA, if you believe they are engaging in illegal practices, you are entitled to report them and seek legal recourse.
Also read: Associated Collection Service Debt Collection Harassment
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
The TCPA restricts the use of robocalls, unsolicited texts, and prerecorded voice messages from debt collectors. Suppose Phillips Cohen & Associates is bombarding you with automated calls or prerecorded messages without your consent. In that case, this can violate the TCPA, and you may be entitled to damages.
State-Specific Laws
In addition to federal protections, many states have enacted consumer protection laws that provide further safeguards. For instance:
- California’s Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act enhances the FDCPA by including provisions that restrict debt collectors from contacting consumers at work if they know that the consumer is not allowed to receive calls there.
- Florida’s Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA) offers stronger protections. It makes it illegal for debt collectors to misrepresent the amount of the debt owed or engage in false threats.
- New York’s Debt Collection Laws provide extra consumer protections, ensuring that debt collectors cannot use abusive tactics or mislead consumers about their legal rights.
These laws vary from state to state, and you must be aware of the specific rules in your jurisdiction to strengthen your position when dealing with debt collectors.
Also read: National Credit Services Debt Collection Harassment
Common Debt Collection Tactics Used by Phillips Cohen & Associates
Many debt collection agencies, including Phillips Cohen & Associates, employ various tactics to intimidate, manipulate, and coerce consumers into paying debts. Recognizing these tactics is the first step in fighting back.
Excessive and Unnecessary Calls
Phillips Cohen & Associates phone harassment often includes frequent calls at inconvenient hours, sometimes as many as 20 calls daily. These calls create a sense of urgency and pressure the consumer into paying without fully understanding their rights or the debt’s validity.
False Threats and Misrepresentation
A common practice by aggressive debt collectors is to falsely claim that they will report you to the credit bureaus, garnish your wages, or even file a lawsuit. Sometimes, collectors mislead consumers into believing that not paying will result in dire consequences, including arrest.
Contacting Third Parties
In violation of the FDCPA, Phillips Cohen & Associates may contact your family, friends, or employer to inquire about your whereabouts or to pressure you into paying the debt. Doing this is illegal and highly distressing, especially if they share personal financial information is shared without your consent.
Emotional Manipulation
When dealing with the estates of deceased individuals, Phillips Cohen & Associates collectors may target grieving family members and demand payments on debts they may not owe. This tactic preys on the vulnerability of individuals who are already experiencing significant emotional distress.
Also read: Associated Recovery Systems Phone Harassment
What To Do if Phillips Cohen & Associates harasses you
The first step in dealing with Phillips Cohen & Associates debt collection harassment is to stay calm and take control of the situation. Here are actionable steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Request Debt Validation
You have the right to request written verification of the debt within 30 days of being contacted. This debt validation request must include detailed information about the debt, such as the original creditor and the amount owed. Phillips Cohen & Associates needs to provide this information or prove that the debt is valid to be allowed to pursue further collection efforts.
Step 2: Keep Detailed Records
Document your communication with the debt collector, including phone calls, letters, and texts. Write down the date, time, and content of the interaction. If you have received a phone call, keep track of the collector’s name and the nature of the conversation. This record will be crucial if you need to take legal action.
Step 3: Notify the Collector in Writing
If you no longer wish to be contacted, you can send a cease-and-desist letter to Phillips Cohen & Associates. This letter clearly states that you want to refrain from receiving further communications regarding the debt. Please keep a copy of this letter and send it via certified mail with a return receipt to ensure the collector gets it.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
The Wood Law Firm’s legal experts are trained in handling debt collection harassment cases. If you feel that Phillips Cohen & Associates has violated your rights under the FDCPA, it’s time to seek professional legal help. Our team can assist with filing complaints, defending you against lawsuits, and seeking damages.
Also read: Prince Parker & Associates Phone Harassment
How The Wood Law Firm Can Help You End Phillips Cohen & Associates Debt Collection Harassment
If you are facing debt collection harassment, The Wood Law Firm offers a comprehensive range of services to protect your rights and help you fight back. Our firm specializes in debt collection defense, and our experienced attorneys know how to navigate complex harassment cases.
Our Services Include
Cease-and-Desist Letters
We will draft and send a cease-and-desist letter on your behalf, informing the debt collector that they must stop all communications with you. This letter can be a powerful tool in stopping harassment immediately.
Negotiating Settlements
In cases where the debt is legitimate, we can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that any settlement is fair and doesn’t worsen your financial situation.
Defending Against Lawsuits
We will provide legal representation if Phillips Cohen & Associates files a lawsuit against you. We’ll investigate whether they violated your rights and seek to have the case dismissed or negotiate a favorable outcome.
Damages and Compensation
You may be entitled to damages when debt collectors violate the FDCPA or other consumer protection laws. We’ll fight to secure compensation for emotional distress, legal fees, and other costs you may have incurred due to harassment.
Also read: Zwicker & Associates Debt Collection Harassment
Why Choose The Wood Law Firm?
- Experience: Our team of legal experts has years of experience representing consumers in debt collection harassment cases.
- Personalized Approach: We work closely with clients to develop tailored strategies to protect their rights.
- No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
Case Study: How The Wood Law Firm Helped Put an end to debt Harassment.
Here’s a real-life example of how The Wood Law Firm helped a consumer combat collector harassment:
Case Overview:
Jane Doe, a widow, was constantly harassed by anonymous debt collectors over a debt her late husband owed. The collectors repeatedly contacted her, even after she had informed them of his passing. They made threats of legal action and public shaming. Jane was deeply distressed and unsure of how to proceed.
Our Action:
After Jane contacted us, we sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to the collector and filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). In addition, we assisted the client in navigating their options and facilitated connections with the appropriate parties to address their debt situation effectively.
The Outcome:
Jane no longer receives threatening calls or letters from the debt collector. We secured a fair settlement and alleviated her emotional distress; your case could be next.
Also read: Marcam Associates Debt Collection Harassment
Conclusion: Don’t Tolerate Phillips Cohen & Associates Debt Collection Harassment
No one should have to endure the constant stress and anxiety caused by debt collection harassment. If you are experiencing Phillips Cohen & Associates debt collection harassment, don’t wait—take action today to protect your rights. The Wood Law Firm is here to help you stop abusive collection practices, whether through negotiating settlements or fighting back in court. Contact us now at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward stopping harassment for good.
Some Useful Links:
Delaware Attorney General
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
