Your cell phone buzzes from its perch on the kitchen counter. After you answer the phone, you are surprised to find a private investigator on the other end of the line. That is, you are talking with someone who claims to be a private investigator representing an original creditor.
The original creditor wants you to pay off the entire balance on a credit card account. Why would a private investigator be interested in your financial matters?
The answer is a private investigator would not be interested in your debt
Passed by the United States Congress on September 20, 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) outlaws the use of deception to trick consumers into taking care of debt obligations. The comprehensive federal consumer protection law also prohibits debt collection agencies from implementing harassing and intimidating debt collection tactics.
A third party debt collector like Delta Outsource Group, Inc. is not permitted to threaten you in any way. The company cannot threaten to contact a third party regarding your debt or threaten to seize your property to liquidate it into cash.
About Delta Outsource Group, Inc.
With an industry plagued by shoddy customer service, Delta Outsource Group stands out in the debt collection industry because of the highly responsive nature of the company’s efforts to settle consumer complaints.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) web page dedicated to the bill collector includes an A+ rating, which means the BBB has performed a thorough review of the company and has determined it deserves the consumer advocacy organization’s highest rating. Delta Outsource Group, Inc. has also earned accreditation from the BBB.
Misrepresentation Breaks the Law
They say impersonation is the finest form of flattery, but in the case of a debt collection agency impersonating a private investigator, flattery is nowhere to be found. According to the FDCPA, it is illegal for a third party debt collector to misrepresent themselves that includes claiming to be an IRS agent or a law enforcement official.
The IRS does not care about consumer debts and it is not a crime in the United States to fall behind on your bills. Deception is used by bill collectors to trick consumers into paying off the balances owed on outstanding credit card and personal loan accounts.
![Did Delta Outsource Group, Inc. Misrepresent Themselves?<br />]()
Making a Bill Collector Pay
In addition to banning dozens of debt collection practices, the FDCPA also contains a punitive provision that gives consumers the right to file lawsuits seeking monetary damages. As a one-time financial award that cannot exceed $1,000, statutory damages cover every violation of the FDCPA committed by the same company.
When a debt collection agency crosses the legal line by triggering physical and/or emotional duress symptoms, then a civil court judge will decide whether you are eligible to receive actual damages.
Working with an FDCPA Attorney
A licensed consumer protection lawyer who specializes in litigating FDCPA case will gather credible evidence to present in a civil court. For actual damages, your FDCPA attorney will present medical documentation confirming your diagnosis, as well as call expert healthcare professional to the stand to testify on your behalf. Most FDCPA lawyers schedule a free initial consultation with clients to determine the best course of legal action.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Delta Outsource Group, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.