When a person applies for a personal loan, home loan, credit card or college loan, he or she probably has the best of intentions to pay these off at one point or another. Due to circumstances, we cannot control, sometimes we end up in a financial crisis. As a result, a debtor may become late on payments. Eventually, the original creditor may pass along the debtor’s information to a debt collector. A collection agency may use shady and illegal practices in order to obtain the payment the original creditor desires.
An attorney, like a debt collection lawyer in Clearwater, FL, understands the amount of pressure you are probably under from trying to keep up with all your bills. In uncertain financial times, let us help protect you from collection harassment.
When a Debt Collector Contacts Your Place of Employment
A debt collection agency who has not been able to reach you, may attempt to get in touch through contacting your employer. Not only may speaking with your boss or coworkers be embarrassing, but it can actually be illegal. A debt collector is not permitted to share your personal financial information with anyone else but you.
If you hear that a debt collector has been calling around your office, you can write an official letter requesting to not be contacted through your work as it is not okay with your employer. If the collection agency continues, then you probably have grounds for a lawsuit. An attorney can advise on what steps to take next.
When a Debt Collector Contacts Your Friends and Family
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Again, in an attempt to talk with you on the phone and get payment, a debt collector may try finding you through friends and family. If you find out that a collector called someone close to you, document the time, date and which number was linked to the agency. Keep track of every time a debt collector contacts a member of your family, as this may be useful information if you have to take legal action in order for the harassment to stop.
When a Debt Collector Ignores Your Requests
If you verbally and through a written letter state that you want the harassment to stop and the collection agency continues, then you may want to hire an attorney quickly. The debt collector may try other unethical tactics to get you to pay. It can be crucial that during this time you have a legal professional working on your behalf to protect you. A debt collector may have even made threats towards you, such as you will be arrested for not making a payment. These threats may not only be untrue but unlawful, and legal action should be taken promptly.
Thank you to the experts at The Law Office of Michael A. Ziegler, P.L. for their input and expertise in debt law.
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