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You may be behind in your bill payments, but you have legal protection against numerous collection tactics. The attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. in Sparta and Bangor, WI, want you to know your rights. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors cannot take certain actions against consumers who owe money. Here, these experienced attorneys discuss conduct that violates the law.

3 Illegal Debt Collection Tactics

1. Misrepresentation

Debt collectors who misrepresent themselves by saying they are police officers, financial relief counselors, attorneys, or part of a legal team are breaking the law. It’s also illegal for them to use fake names, hide their identity, and give false credit information to anyone. 

2. Pressure & Scare Tactics

collectionsCollection agents cannot threaten lawsuits or wage garnishments when they have no intention or authority to do so just to scare people into paying their debts. Harassment, lying, and trying to collect a debt when the time for collection has expired are also unlawful. 

3. Unreasonable Contact

Debt collectors contacting you at work if you have told them not to or telling employers, co-workers, friends, or non-spouse family members about a debt are violating your rights as a consumer. Trying to reach you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is also against federal law. If you think your rights are being violated, contact an attorney or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the consumer protection and enforcement agency, for help.

At Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C., dedicated lawyers focus on protecting their clients’ rights and building long-term attorney-client relationships. You’ll benefit from more than 25 years of business law, collection, and bankruptcy experience. Hire an attorney who is equipped and ready to fight effectively for you. To reach their office in Sparta, call (608) 269-1200, or call (608) 486-2324 for their office in Bangor. For information about their practice areas, visit them online now.

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