Debt Collectors Continue To Violate The Law

Seventy-five percent of consumers said debt collectors ignored their requests to stop calling, according to a survey released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which detailed “troubling” practices in the multi billion-dollar industry.

Consumers Still Regularly Harassed by Debt Collectors

Consumers told the CFPB that they often felt threatened by debt collectors, that they were contacted late at night or early in the morning and were pursued by collectors using incorrect information; all of these practices are forbidden by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Debt-collection efforts affect more than 70 million Americans annually and are one of the leading sources of consumer complaints to the CFPB.

A Common Issue

The survey looked at a sample of consumers drawn from credit-reporting records about their experiences with debt collectors. More than 25 percent of consumers contacted by a creditor or debt collector felt threatened, according to the survey, and 75 percent of consumers who asked collectors to cease communication said the request wasn’t honored. More than a third said debt collectors called between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. In addition, more than half reported a mistake in the debt, such as an incorrect amount, a debt not owed or a debt owed by a family member. Nearly 40% of consumers reported being contacted four or more times a week by a debt collector. And 17% said they got eight or more calls in a week.

If are feeling threatened or harassed by a debtor collector, you have rights.  The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act was designed specially to stop many of the activities described above.  At Bond & Botes, we help clients every day that are abused and harassed by unscrupulous and deceptive debt collectors.  All you need to do is call a local Bond & Botes office and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable and caring attorney. Please contact us immediately and let us help you!

 

Related Information

• Stop Credit Card Harassment
• Tough New Rules for Debt Collectors
• How to Fight Back Against Abusive Debt Collectors