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When the pressures of overwhelming debt become too much to manage, harassment by collectors adds stress to the difficult situation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to end all the calls and letters from creditors. Below, debt relief lawyer Robert A. Schwartz in Rochester, NY, discusses a few of these options in more detail.

How to End Creditor Harassment 

1. See if They're Breaking the Law

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was designed to safeguard consumers from abusive and predatory behavior on the part of creditors. They cannot, for instance, call you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm. They cannot lie about their identity, threaten you, or use profanity. The professionals also cannot harass your spouse or other family members. If they've violated any of these rules, contact a debt relief lawyer right away.

2. Write a Letter to the Creditor 

Under the FDCPA, if you write to a creditor requesting they stop harassing you, that individual must cease doing so. Make a copy of the letter and send it to the Federal Trade Commission; the FTC oversees lending practices in the United States. They can be reached at:

Federal Trade Commission 6th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20850

debt relief lawyerInclude in your letter any violations of the FDCPA the creditor has committed. The approach will only stop harassment from debt collectors and attorneys; a creditor's in-house collection department can still contact you. However, most will honor the request if you send one.

3. Consider Bankruptcy

Another way to end harassment is by filing bankruptcy. As soon as you do so, all creditors and debt collectors are required by law to immediately stop contacting you. A debt relief lawyer will help you determine if this is the right path to pursue. For those with out-of-control credit card debt, medical expenses, and other past-due balances, this solution can be a viable way to get back on firm financial footing.

Robert A. Schwartz will put an end to creditor harassment and guide you through the possibility of bankruptcy. For more than three decades, he has been providing quality counsel and representation to protect clients’ rights and secure the most favorable outcomes possible. Call (585) 334-4270 or visit him online today to schedule a free case evaluation with a debt relief lawyer.

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