Maybe it’s hard to remember what the last straw was for you. It could’ve been when the third-party collectors called you at 10:30 p.m. Or maybe it was when they sent you that embarrassing piece of mail that said it came from a debt collector.
Perhaps it was when they called unauthorized parties to discuss your debt. Though it could’ve also been when they started using profane language on the phone.
What is easy to remember is how much you’ve suffered at the hands of third-party collectors. Luckily, if you’re in Ohio, you have options for protection under the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This is a federal law that is meant to keep third-party collectors from engaging in aggressive behavior.
This means that thanks to the FDCPA, you have the option of making the harassment stop. After you’ve learned more about the FDCPA and your own rights, consider discussing your next steps with an FDCPA attorney.
That attorney can help you make the harassment stop and earn you $1,000 for each FDCPA violation that he or she can successfully prove.
Ohio’s Debt Collection Protections
Although the FDCPA will most likely cover the behavior you’re trying to target, it can be useful to also know Ohio’s debt collection laws at the state level. Knowing these laws, especially the statute of limitations on certain contracts, can help you determine what kind of behavior is legitimate.
The statute of limitations for written contracts is eight years, but it’s worth noting that it’s only six years for oral and verbal agreements. Additionally, demand notes have a statute of limitations of six years after the original demand is made, and it’s ten years if no demand is made.
The FDCPA
Thanks to the FDCPA, third-party collectors are not allowed to engage in certain types of aggressive debt collection behavior. Some of this behavior includes the following:
These are some common violations, but the FDCPA protects you from other debt collection practices as well. To get a more detailed list, click the “Your Rights” tab at the top of the page.
Talk to An Attorney Today
Whatever the last straw was, thank goodness you’ve realized that you can fight back against third-party collectors. You don’t deserve the harassment you’ve been suffering, and you can get your life back.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the FDCPA and Ohio’s state laws, you should think about contacting an experienced FDCPA attorney to help you with your case. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, build your case, and file an appeal if need be.
Additionally, you won’t even have to worry about paying your lawyer unless you win your case.
Hiring an attorney will put you in the best position to win your case. Hopefully, you’ll get the peace of mind and financial compensation that you deserve.