Debt Collection Agencies

What is a Debt Collection Agency?

A debt collector is defined under the FDCPA as any person, company, or entity that regularly collectors debts owed to others. These debts are usually past - due, already owed, or otherwise in default. Debt collectors can be businesses or agencies which solely focus only on collecting debts, or they can be law firms or lawyers which focus on debt collection. There are even some companies which purchase past - due or default debts and then try to collect them. A debt collection agency must identify itself as one, including if it is a law firm or lawyer who is attempting to collect a debt. To learn more about debt collectors, please visit our website at westopdebtcollectors.com.

How do you know the Debt Collection Agency is Real

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a real debt collection agency and a fake or scammer debt collection agency. Both will use similar lines and may even cite to the applicable law, such as the FDCPA. However, there are some tell-tale signs that an alleged debt collector is actually a scammer or fake agency. For instance, any debt collector who calls and is demanding payment today or payment via wire transfer is not likely to be true. If they do not accept many different forms of payment, such as check, credit card, or a debt card, they are also likely scamming you.

If you are suspicious, ask the debt collector to provide you information on the debt, such as the original creditor, the account number, the amount of principle versus interest, the date of default, and the date of the debt. If they cannot answer these questions or if they refer to to contact the original debtor, that is likely a fake agency. Finally, if the debt collector refuses to give you his or her physical address or name, that is not only a sign of a scammer but also against the FDCPA.

How to Deal With Debt Collection Agencies

It can be daunting to deal with debt collectors, particularly if this if your first time dealing with one. We know this, and we have a lot of experience at www.westopdebtcollectors.com in preventing debt collectors from taking advantage of consumers. The most important thing you can do is to stay claim and level-headed. Keep records of every single telephone call or correspondence sent by the debt collector to you with the date, time, and individual you spoke with. You may also write to the debt collector and tell him or her to stop contacting you, but just know if you cut off the lines of communication it may also foreclose on your ability to settle the debt. You can also ask the debt collector to validate the debt—which is a right afforded to your under the FDCPA. If the debt collector becomes aggressive or you believe he or she is overstepping the bounds of what is professional and permitted under the law, contact an experienced debt collector abuse and harassment attorney to represent your interests.

Problems with Debt Collection Agencies

State and Federal law requires debt collectors to follow what they are afforded to do and not do. When debt collectors become abusive or harass you over the telephone, you may need to seek legal counsel to protect your rights. If debt collectors are calling you multiple times during the day, at work, or even texting you on your cell phone, this is not permissible conduct under the FDCPA and you can 1) get this conduct to stop and 2) receive compensation if you can prove it is a violation of the FDCPA, which is likely is. It is important that you stand up for your rights and you contact an experienced abusive debt collector attorney to protect your rights. When you are faced with harassment from a debt collector, it is best to stay calm, be professional and polite, and keep records of everything, then contact an attorney.

List Of Debt Collection Agencies: