It is tough to deal with an original creditor that badgers you about paying off an outstanding credit card or a personal loan account. However, nothing compares to the stress and anxiety triggered by an overly aggressive debt collection agency. Original creditors such as Von Maur and American Express do not hold on to outstanding consumer debts very long. After handing over the responsibility of collecting a debt to a third party debt collector, original creditors move on to other delinquent debts.
If you have been harassed and intimidated by a bill collector like Atlantic Credit & Finance, you should act swiftly by speaking with a licensed consumer protection lawyer who knows everything that needs to be known by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Passed by the United States Congress in 1977, the FDCPA bans the practice of harassing and intimidating consumers into taking care of debts. A debt collection agency is not allowed to threaten you in any way, as well as use deception to trick you into paying off an outstanding credit card or a personal loan balance.
Turn to the Government for Help
By working with a licensed FDCPA attorney, you will have the legal muscle to reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Responsible for overseeing the FDCPA, the FTC can fine a lawbreaking third party debt collector and/or suspend the company’s operating license. Violations of the FDCPA can also be reported to your state’s Attorney General Office. Your Attorney General will closely review your information to determine the number of and extent of the FDCPA violations. Government help is just one way to prevent a bill collector from taking advantage of you.
![Where to Report a Violation Against Atlantic Credit & Finance*]()
Reporting Atlantic Credit & Finance to the Better Business Bureau
Established to be the most powerful consumer advocacy organization, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides a useful consumer feedback section that presents detailed accounts of the illicit business practices carried out by companies across all industries. In the case of Atlantic Credit & Finance, numerous negative consumer feedbacks left on the BBB website might discourage original creditors enough to force them to take their debt collection accounts elsewhere. The BBB also rates every business listed with the organization, with an A+ rating the highest grade handed out by the consumer advocacy organization.
File a Claim for FDCPA Violations
Although not a formal report complaining about the illegal activities of a debt collection agency, filing a claim in civil court can have a positive effect on your relationship with a third party debt collector. Your FDCPA lawyer will thoroughly examine the evidence in your case to determine whether there is enough information to pursue monetary damages. If your attorney cannot link the illegal actions of a bill collector to any type of physical and/or emotional distress that you suffer, then the best course of action is to file a claim seeking a one-time award of $1,000 for statutory damages.
Take the legal initiative by speaking with a licensed consumer protection attorney who specializes in litigating FDCPA cases.
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 or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.