Unfair Debt Collection Practices – Protecting Consumers from Harassment and Abuse
Law for Georgia, LLC
At Law for Georgia, LLC, we protect consumers who have been mistreated by aggressive or unlawful debt collection practices. Debt collectors must follow the law when attempting to collect debts, and you have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Georgia law.
Understanding Unfair Debt Collection Practices
Unfair debt collection practices occur when debt collectors use deceptive, abusive, or harassing methods to collect a debt. Such conduct can cause emotional distress, financial harm, and damage to your credit.
Key Protections Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. It applies to third-party debt collectors and includes the following protections:
No Harassment or Abuse: Debt collectors cannot use threats, obscene language, or repetitive calls to intimidate you.
Honest Communication: Collectors must provide accurate information about the debt and cannot misrepresent the amount owed.
Written Validation Notice: Collectors must provide a written notice of the debt, including the amount, the creditor’s name, and your right to dispute it.
No Unlawful Contact: Collectors cannot call you at unreasonable times (before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.) or contact you at work if you request them not to.
Privacy Protection: Collectors cannot discuss your debt with unauthorized third parties, such as family members or employers.
Common Types of Unfair Debt Collection Practices
- Harassing Phone Calls and Threats
- Calling repeatedly or using abusive language.
- Threatening legal action they cannot take.
- Misrepresentation or False Claims
- Lying about the amount owed or the status of the debt.
- Claiming to be attorneys or government officials.
- Unauthorized Charges or Fees
- Adding fees or interest not allowed under the original loan agreement.
Illegal Contact Practices
- Calling at work despite your request not to.
- Discussing your debt with unauthorized third parties.
- Failure to Provide Debt Validation Information
- Refusing to provide a written notice of the debt within five days of initial contact.
How Law for Georgia, LLC Can Help
If you have been a victim of unfair debt collection practices, our experienced legal team is ready to help:
Investigation and Review: We review your communications with debt collectors and your debt records to identify violations.
Dispute and Correction: We help you dispute false or misleading debts and stop abusive collection practices.
Litigation: We file lawsuits against debt collectors who violate your rights under the FDCPA and Georgia law.
Negotiation: We pursue favorable settlements, debt reductions, or other relief for affected consumers.
Protecting Your Rights Under Federal and Georgia Law
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Georgia’s consumer protection laws provide strong protections for consumers facing abusive debt collection practices. If debt collectors violate your rights, you have the power to take legal action.
Contact Law for Georgia, LLC Today
With over 35 years of combined legal experience, Law for Georgia, LLC is committed to protecting consumers from unlawful debt collection practices. If you have been harassed, threatened, or misled by a debt collector, contact us for a confidential consultation.
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