Many debt collection agencies do not want consumers to know they are protected by a landmark consumer protection law passed by the United States Congress back in 1977.
Called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the federal consumer protection law outlaws dozens of third party debt collector tactics that were considered legal before September 20, 1977.
The FDCPA not only prohibits overly aggressive debt collection practices, it also grants consumers the right to file a claim that seeks monetary damages.
How to Determine if a Claim Exists
A bill collector such as Second Look, Inc. has contacted you regarding an outstanding credit card or personal loan account. You feel the company has crossed the legal line by harassing you over the phone at work and at home.
To be 100% certain sure a debt collection agency has violated the FDCPA, it is a good idea to contact a consumer protection lawyer who specializes in handling FDCPA cases. Your attorney will be able to determine whether Second Look, Inc. violated one or more provisions of the FDCPA.
What does it mean to ban overly aggressive debt collection techniques? It means Second Look, Inc. cannot call you repeatedly throughout the day. The FDCPA also forbids third party debt collectors from calling consumers between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am.
Many bill collectors use the telephone as an effective tool to coerce consumers into meeting debt payment demands. If you can prove a debt collection agency violated the phone call provisions of the FDCPA, you might have enough evidence to move forward with a claim against the third party debt collector.
![Starting a Claim Against Second Look, Inc.*]()
Are You Eligible for Damages?
The FDCPA allows consumers to file claims against bill collectors that seek two types of monetary damages. First, you can file a lawsuit against Second Look, Inc. that seeks statutory damages for all violations of the FDCPA. The one-time financial award is capped at $1,000.
As the second type of just compensation, monetary damages cover expenses like medical bills for treating physical distress symptoms. You will need to submit medical documents that prove you were treated for physical duress symptoms.
Then, it is up to your FDCPA attorney to present the evidence in court linking your ailments with the harassing debt collection tactics implemented by Second Look, Inc.
A Licensed FDCPA Lawyer Can Help
With a substantial amount of money on the line, a debt collection agency will spare no expense when it comes to getting you to pay off a credit card or a personal loan balance. If Second Look, Inc. contacted regarding a consumer debt, you can expect the company to pay whatever it takes to get the legal representation the company needs to take you to court.
Before it gets that far in the legal system, you should work with a licensed FDCPA attorney. Your FDCPA lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to determine the best course of legal action.
Representing yourself or having an unqualified lawyer represent you against Second Look, Inc. is a surefire way for you to end up paying off the third party debt collector.
Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced FDCPA attorney today.
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 Second Look, Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.