For much of American history, debt collection agencies ran roughshod over consumers, especially when it came to collecting delinquent personal debts. Some of the tactics used by third party debt collectors bordered on loan shark techniques like issuing threats and constantly harassing consumers.
In response to growing consumer anger, the United States Congress enacted the most important consumer protection law written into the American legal system.
Called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the monumental federal consumer protection law bans dozens of debt collection practices that defined the industry for decades. The primary goal of the United States Congress was to eliminate the bullying of consumers.
As the second powerful part of the FDCPA, consumers have the right to seek financial compensation from bill collectors that violate one or more provisions of the FDCPA.
Common FDCPA Violations
Although the FDCPA presents a long list of outlawed debt collection agency tactics, a few of the practices are used more often than other shady debt collection techniques. Did you know a third party debt collector violates the FDCPA if it tries to collect more money from you than you actually owe?
Bill collectors are also banned from trying to collect on credit card and personal loan accounts that have been paid off. One of the underhanded ploys used by debt collection agencies is to deceive consumers into paying off outstanding debts.
Deception comes in many forms, such as a third party debt collector impersonating the IRS and/or a law enforcement agency.
By working with a FDCPA lawyer, you will receive the peace of mind knowing your best interests are in the hands of an accomplished litigator. Your attorney will ask numerous questions to determine if Atlantic Credit & Finance threatened you or used abusive language in an attempt to coerce you into paying off a debt.
Another common tactic used by bill collectors involves calling consumers at all hours of the day. The FDCPA clearly prohibits debt collection phone calls between the hours of 9 pm and 8am.
![Starting a Claim Against Atlantic Credit & Finance*]()
Do You Qualify for Monetary Damages?
The FDCPA makes bill collectors financially accountable for violations of the consumer protection law. If you had your wages unlawfully garnished by a debt collection agency, your attorney will go hard after the third party debt collector to ensure you receive every penny illegally confiscated.
All the lost wages caused by the actions of a bill collector like Atlantic Credit & Finance are also eligible to become part of your monetary damages.
The FDCPA makes sure to punish a bill collector, even if you cannot prove the actions of a debt collection agency directly resulted in physical and/or emotional distress. Statutory damages up to $1,000 cover all violations of the FDCPA, regardless if the violations caused you pain and suffering.
Stop the harassment used by a third party debt collector such as Atlantic Credit & Finance. Speak with a licensed consumer protection lawyer today to receive all of the legal rights 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 Atlantic Credit & Finance Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.