Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

January 10, 2012 · Filed Under FDCPA · Comment 

The problem starts when you, first compare credit cards, find one, use it, and finally, miss your monthly payment and the debt collector is after you. The debt-collector’s sole intension is to take money from you, however if you owe money to them then you would have to pay and they have the rights to call you but the problem is when the debt collector crosses his limit and starts practicing illegally that is where when you would be needing help. Always remember the fair debt-collector follows the fair debt collection practices act which is in short FDCPA.

The FDCPA body is there to stop people from doing wrong practices and debt harassment. This body was given the permission by the congress to amend laws and regulation to protect people from debt-harassment. FDCPA also provides the accurate information on the status of your debts.

FDCPA gives the strict order to the debt-collectors not contact the third party like the relatives, friends or the neighbors if the third party does not owe the debt. They are not allowed to discuss any related matter with third party.

Under the FDCPA the debt collector may call you but are not allowed to call before 8:00 A.M and not after 9:00 P.M. They are also restricted to call you again and again. The FDCPA also asks the debt-collector not to call you in your work place.

There are many illegal threats that are given by the debt collectors to the consumers, at times the debt-collector goes extreme and threats you to be arrested and send you to jail if you do not pay the debt by the given time, however this kind of threats are rubbish or bluff.

If the debt company attempts to take any kind of interest or fees that are not part of your contract with the creditor or are not permitted under your state laws, then it would be totally illegal for the debt-company to put such claims.

What should you do if you believe you are a victim of unfair debt collection practices? First, be sure you document all calls you receive from the debt collector. Also, keep any voicemail or answering machine messages left by collectors. Keep copies of any written correspondence, such as requests to cease contacting you at work. Then, contact a fair debt attorney who has the expertise to help you settle the case.

Go through this article for better idea of FDCPA: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf

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