Debt Collection Abuse in Alabama
When debt collectors call you or send you letters, they are required be federal law to treat you with dignity, honesty, and respect. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the "FDCPA") prohibits bill collectors from being abusive, deceptive, or harassing. Creditors who violate the FDCPA can be sued in court for cash damages. If you have been subject to illegal collection activities, our attorneys may be able to take them to court to cancel your debt or even win you a money judgment.
At Gina H. McDonald & Associates, in Birmingham, our firm has helped thousands of individuals and families throughout Alabama use bankruptcy to overcome debt that arises from credit cards, medical bills, job loss and other sources. You are not alone, and if you are unable to pay your debts and are worried about losing your home, it is important to find the debt relief that you need.
About the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Debt collectors routinely break the law with their phone calls and collection letters. Some of the most common illegal collection activities are:
- Claiming that you owe them more than you actually do (such as by adding collection fees and not giving you credit for payments you have made).
- Telling you that you have been or will be sued, garnished, or sent to jail if you do not pay the debt.
- Calling or threatening to tell other people about your debt (i.e. family members, co-workers).
- Reporting false information on your credit reports.
- Pretending to be attorneys, police, or government agents.
- Not notifying you that their calls or letters are from collectors.
- Not telling you that you have 30 days to dispute or request proof of the debt they claim.
- Threatening to sue you or garnish your wages when they don't have the right to sue you or do not intend to.
- Threatening to repossess your property when they don't have the right to.
- Using profanity, insults, and obscene language in letters or phone calls.
- Causing your phone to ring repeatedly and calling for no purpose but to harass you.
- Contacting you at work when you have told them that you are not allowed to take their calls at work.
- Contacting you about a debt that was discharged or included in a bankruptcy.
- Trying to collect a debt you do not owe.
Creditor Harassment in Alabama
Schedule an appointment and talk with one of our experienced lawyers about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and your rights. We have offices in Birmingham and Oneonta. Contact our firm by e-mail or by calling us toll free at 888-412-9047.
