When you’re in debt, you may feel an incredible amount of stress and anxiety regarding these matters. However, when you’re being inundated with calls from debt collectors about the matter, it can make this situation even worse. As such, learning what you can do to stop the calls is critical. The following blog explores the protections enacted to help alleviate constant collection calls. Additionally, you’ll discover why working with a San Diego debt collection harassment lawyer is in your best interest during these matters.
What Are Collection Calls?
When you owe a debt to someone, whether it is the original creditor or a debt collector who purchased your debt, they will take measures to recover the funds they deserve. One such step is to call your phone to inform you that you owe funds. However, many of these phone calls are not as simple. Unfortunately, collection calls, especially those from debt collectors, are often aggressive and constant.
It’s important to understand the laws in place to help protect you from unfair and harassing phone calls from third-party collection agencies. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, third-party collectors must follow the following rules in relation to making phone calls to debtors:
- They cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- They cannot contact you at work if you have informed them that your employer prohibits personal phone calls
- They cannot call anyone other than you or your attorney and discuss your debt
- They cannot repeatedly call you in a short period of time
- They cannot refuse to identify themselves at the beginning of the call
- They cannot call and pretend to be someone else, like a member of law enforcement or an attorney
- They cannot threaten violence or jail time
Is There Anything I Can Do to Stop These?
If you are being inundated with phone calls concerning a debt, understanding your legal rights is critical. Generally, the first thing you should do is document any and all violations of the previous FDCPA violations you have been subjected to. This can help provide necessary evidence if you wish to pursue a claim for the violations you endured.
Generally, one of the best things you can do to half the letters is send a cease and desist letter to the collection agency telling them to stop calling. You should send this letter via certified mail, as this allows you to ensure you get confirmation that the letter was received.
Finally, you’ll want to contact an attorney. Not only can they assist you in drafting the letter, but if the collector does not stop calling even after sending the cease and desist, they can help you recover compensation for the FDCPA violations you’ve endured at the hands of the collector.
If you’re the victim of harassing phone calls, it’s in your best interest to contact Barthel Legal. Our firm will do everything possible to help guide you through these complicated matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.
