If you are in debt, it is only a matter of time until a debt collector starts contacting you for the repayment. When this happens, you may get scared and intimidated because of the way most debt collectors usually are. In a general sense, nobody likes dealing with debt collectors. However, you may be happy to know that the FDCPA protects your rights.
If a debt collector is harassing you, you can legally sue them. They cannot publicize your debt, publicly shame, harass and blackmail you. Knowing your rights makes you a powerful individual, which is why it is so important. Click Here to learn more and hire a defense attorney.
Ways the FDCPA protects your rights
- You have the right to dispute a debt.
It might come off as a surprise, but many people who have already paid their debts or do not owe any money at all are contacted by collectors every day. It is usually a misunderstanding that is cleared out by disputing the debt. If you receive a call from a debt collector asking for payments you do not owe, make sure you notify them in writing about the dispute. They then must stop contacting you about the debt until they verify it.
- You have the right to control communication with the debt collectors.
Just because you owe money to someone does not mean that debt collectors can contact you whenever and whichever way they want to. They need to adhere to certain rules and regulations when contacting you, whether through a call, text, or in person. The first law to remember is that they cannot reveal your debt to third parties.
Some other rules include:
- They cannot contact you at work if you have asked them to.
- They cannot contact you before 8 am and after 9 pm.
- They must cease contact completely if so, you request it in writing.
- They must communicate with your attorney if you have one.
- You have the right to request debt validation.
As point one states, many people who do not owe debts to anyone are contacted and harassed by debt collectors daily. They then panic and start wondering who they owe money. Things become easier when you are educated about your rights.
When you are unsure who the creditor is, ask the debt collector to provide you with a verification of the debt. The document should include the debt collector’s name, the company they work for, the name of the original creditor, and information about the debt.