Creditor Harassment Lawyer in Attleboro

What Are Your Rights in Bristol and Norfolk County?

Many people who are behind on their debts and cannot make their payments are commonly intimidated and harassed by creditors attempting to collect a debt.  Already feeling overwhelmed by the crushing debt, a person is easily frightened into making payments they simply cannot afford. The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines the exact procedures allowed by creditors in attempting to collect.  Many methods used are specifically prohibited, as they have been shown to be tactics used to unsettle and harass consumers.  The law is designed to protect consumers from the use of abusive, deceptive and unfair debt collection practices.   Any unfair practices can be reported to the proper authorities.  If you are being harassed by collection agencies you can receive legal assistance with fighting for your rights.  By contacting the Law Office of Gail Balser, bankruptcy attorney, you can begin to get the creditor harassment under control.

Debt collectors are entitled to contact you for collection, but under strict guidelines.  They may use contact by mail, telephone, fax, telegram and even in person.  They are not allowed to attempt to reach anyone before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.  They are allowed to contact you at work, unless you specifically tell them they cannot, at which time they must cease to do so.  A debt collector must also cease calling you by phone if you request it in writing, however this does not eliminate the debt.  Your creditor may file a lawsuit to attempt collection if they cannot reach you.

What Debt Collectors Cannot Do

Because debt collectors are able to intimidate certain people into paying their bills, they attempt to use these tactics whenever possible.  However, they are illegal.  If you are aware of what your rights are, you can avoid feeling harassed or intimidated by taking the proper legal actions against them.  Some of the tactics used by creditors include:

• Publish a list of people who "refuse" to pay their debts online
• Threaten to have you arrested
• Use obscene language when communicating with you
• Repeatedly call you on the phone
• Repeatedly contacting people you know
• Advise your employer or people you know that you are in debt
• Use threats of violence or harm
• Use false information about your situation when speaking to you or anyone you know

No one has to put up with this harassment.  It is against the law and these debt collectors can be stopped legally.  State and federal laws provide for a person to sue a collection agency that violates the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  Don't let them take advantage of you.  With the strong legal skills of the Law Office of Gail Balser, you can quickly stop the harassment and begin to once again have some peace of mind.  Our office will also be able to assist  you with developing a means to handle your debt, either through debt negotiation, bankruptcy, or other options.  For assistance in Attleboro, Bristol County and Norfolk County, call us today.