There is nothing more stressful than being contacted by a debt collector, even under the best of circumstances. Unfortunately, debt collection agencies have a well-deserved reputation for utilizing questionable tactics, including threats and harassment, to force consumers to settle debts.
Debt collectors receive compensation for collecting on delinquent debts on behalf of companies, and they also profit from buying third party debts for pennies on the dollar and then seeking payment from consumers for the original amount.
With so much money on the line, it’s no wonder that they resort to any means necessary to force consumers to comply. In 1977, Congress enacted the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to restrict collection agencies from engaging in tactics that include abusive language, threats and harassment.
It also establishes a right for consumers to seek monetary damages from collection companies that violate these terms.
If you have been the subject of questionable practices from Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. then you should speak to a qualified consumer affairs attorney to determine whether you have cause to file a claim.
Determining if a Claim Exists
In order to move forward with your claim, you must first demonstrate that Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. has violated the terms of the FDCPA. This is where working with an experienced FDCPA attorney can help.
In some cases, debt collection agencies will seek to collect on debts that have expired. Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. could attempt to harass you for a debt that you’re no longer obligated to pay, which would be an FDCPA violation.
Debt collectors are also prohibited from attempting to shame consumers into settling a debt by threatening to reveal personal information about the debt to a third party. They might also threaten legal action or the seizure of property, engage in abusive language or even pose as IRS officials or members of law enforcement.
The more information you can collect regarding possible violations, the stronger your case against Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. will be.
What Damages Are Available
Under the FDCPA, consumers are entitled to statutory damages of up to $1,000 as a one-time payment, regardless of the damages suffered. It is not paid out per violation of the FDCPA.
If a consumer can demonstrate emotional or physical distress as a result of the violation, then the consumer can file a claim to receive monetary damages that are not capped.
Working with an experienced consumer protection attorney will help you to determine which violations occurred and how to proceed with a case against Arnold Scott Harris, P.C.
Work with a FDCPA Attorney
An experienced consumer protection attorney can help you with all aspects of your case, from determining whether violations occurred to charting a course of action.
Since consumer protection attorneys understand all aspects of the FDCPA they can provide counsel on the best steps for you to proceed with action against Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. FDCPA attorneys can help collect and prepare evidence to ensure that your claim is as strong as possible.
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 Arnold Scott Harris, P.C. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.