What to Do if You're Abused By a Collector

If you're contacted by a debt collector, you have a right to dispute the debt either verbally or in writing.  If you want to preserve some rights under the FDCPA, you must send a written dispute within 30 days of your receipt of the first "validation notice" from the debt collector.

Even if you owe the debt, or you cannot pay, you still have rights under the FDCPA.  Most of our clients owe the debt being collected but because of financial circumstances, or a dispute over the goods or services, they cannot pay it.

In order to preserve your rights under the law, it's important for you to keep good records of all of the contacts.

Important Steps You Can Take

1. Save all letters and notices from collection agencies and the envelopes they come in.
    

2. Save all phone messages and voice mails -- this is very important!
    

3. Make very detailed notes of your conversations with all bill collectors.
   Use a Collection Communications Log.
    

4. Call your consumer rights attorney to help you recover your damages.

If you have suffered from any abusive bill collection practices, you may be entitled to compensation.  Please contact our office for more information.