On September 20, 1977, the United States Congress passed Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The groundbreaking consumer protection law leveled the legal playing field between consumers and debt collection agencies.
Numerous provisions written into the federal law prohibit specific types of third party debt collector practices, such as making phone calls in the middle of the night and using abusive language in an attempt to intimidate consumers.
The FDCPA also addresses one important question that haunts many consumers: Can a bill collector call you at work?
The answer to the question is yes, with a caveat consumers should understand. Although debt collection agencies like Northstar Location Services can call you at work, you have the right to invoke what is referred to as “reason to know” that should stop the phone calls made to you at work by a third party debt collector.
“Reason to know” is FDCPA provision that states a bill collector has reason to know an employer forbids bill collector phone calls at work. Your employer doesn’t have to explain its policy to Northstar Location Services. All you have to do is explain the policy and the phone calls at work should stop.
Other Methods for Ending Debt Collection Agency Phone Calls
You can simply ignore the phone calls made by Northstar Location Services. However, pretending an outstanding debt doesn’t exist is a recipe for financial disaster. A determined third party debt collector might go after you harder to recover the money owed on a credit card or personal loan account.
You must be proactive, whether it involves sending a certified cease and desist letter to Northstar Location Services or working with a licensed consumer protection lawyer to negotiate a debt settlement.
By hiring an experienced FDCPA attorney, you send a perfectly written cease and desist letter or negotiate the most favorable debt settlement terms. Your lawyer will ensure you receive the full legal protections of every right granted by the FDCPA.
Moreover, your attorney can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and/or state Attorney General Office. Debt collection agencies that come under fire from state and federal agencies typically soften their stances when it comes to collecting outstanding consumer debts.
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Are You Entitled to Monetary Damages?
The FDCPA does much more than list prohibited debt collection agency tactics. It also specifies the penalties for violating one or more provisions of the federal law. If a third party debt collector violates one or more FDCPA provisions, you might be eligible to collect monetary damages.
The FDCPA lists several categories that consumers might achieve eligibility for receiving financial compensation. One of the most frequently cited reasons for monetary damages is emotional distress.
Although emotional distress often doesn’t leave any physical evidence, it can destroy your life by disrupting your marriage and/or creating problems with professional peers in the workplace.
When you work with a highly rated FDCPA lawyer, you receive the legal expertise required to prove illegal bill collector actions triggered a severe case of emotional distress.
Never allow a debt collection agency to harass you at work. Speak with a consumer protection attorney today to learn more about the legal protections granted by the FDCPA.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Northstar Location Services or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.