When a customer owes a money to a person who has done a service for them, the business may wonder how they are legally permitted to go through the process of collecting that money. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the law that governs how companies are authorized to collect outstanding debts. Unfortunately, many businesses take their debt collection attempts too far and can get themselves into legal trouble. It is important for a business to make themselves aware of what they can and cannot do in terms of collecting debts.
The actions that debt collectors are not permitted to conduct include but are not limited to the following practices:
- Harassment, oppression, or abuse such as threats of violence, the use of profane language, repeated calls, publishing a list of debtors
- Stating that a debtor will be arrested if they fail to pay their debt
- Threats to garnish wages, seize property, or take other legal action against the individual
- Use a false company name
- Falsely claim that the debtor has committed a crime
- Contact a debtor by postcard
- Claim to be a government agency or send any documentation that looks like it is from a court or another government agency
These are only a few of the practices prohibited under The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If you have questions, contact our firm today.
The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. would be happy to provide you with assistance in your case and help you protect your future when so much is on the line. Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can assess the specific circumstances surrounding your lawsuit.
