Although the economy has stopped hemorrhaging jobs, there is still a long way to go before the country recovers and everyone who wants a job has one. In fact, the savings are still being referred to as a “jobless recovery,” which might make Wall Street feel better, but does little to help Main Street.
If you’ve been downsized, “proper,” or whatever term is currently in vogue, you’re likely having a hard time keeping food on the table and a roof over your head. Keeping up with bill payments can seem like a lost cause. When you fall behind on your payments, it’s very likely that your account will eventually be turned over to a third-party debt collection agency. No one would argue that being subjected to calls and letters from debt collectors is annoying at best and a nightmare at worst.
At worst, consumers are relentlessly harassed by debt collection calls, embarrassed by collector calls to neighbors and family, and may even feel threatened. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that they have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and are unaware of the advantages of hiring a fair debt attorney.
Many people assume that hiring a fair debt attorney will cost them an arm and a leg. After all, if they had the money to hire a lawyer, they would have the money to pay off their debt. The truth is that legitimate fair debt attorneys will represent consumers for free. Although this may sound too good to be true, it is not. This is because the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is designed to give consumers a level playing field with debt collection agencies, and says that when a debt collector crosses the line into illegal behavior, the The collection agency is responsible for paying the consumer’s attorney’s fees. In other words, the debt collection agency that is harassing you will pay your attorney.
Another good reason to consult an attorney is that once you are represented by a fair debt attorney, a debt collector will no longer be able to contact you directly. He or she must go through her attorney. In other words, the calls and letters will stop. If they don’t, it’s a violation of the FDCPA.
A fair debt attorney can also file a lawsuit against collection agencies in federal court. The FDCPA says that if a debt collector violates the law, the court can award the consumer up to $1,000. That’s right, if you are the victim of illegal debt collection practices, he can recover compensation of up to $1,000.
However, often when your attorney files a lawsuit against an agency, the agency will want to settle and you never have to go to court. Sometimes a debt collection agency will offer to settle for a dollar amount. If the agency actually owns the debt (by purchasing it from the original creditor), the debt can be discharged. A fair debt attorney can even negotiate what the agency puts on your credit report, which has far-reaching implications for your future credit needs.
The bottom line? If you have been harassed by collectors, contact a fair debt attorney. You don’t have to suffer alone, and the law has wisely crafted provisions to protect you.
