There are sometimes times in life where money is in short supply and paying an installment on a loan may be typically too difficult. This doesn’t please creditors at all and they sometimes take action to try and speed up the debt recovery process.
That often means hiring a debt collection agency like MRS Associates which has debt collectors who phone debtors or visit their homes. This doesn’t mean repeated phone calls or visits are allowed to take place, as federal law says they are not. Debtors’ protection is covered by the Federal Debt Collection
Practices Act (FDCPA) which is the legislation responsible for regulating the activities of debt collection agencies like MRS Associates.
What is the FDCPA?
The FDCPA does not stop creditors or debt collectors working on their behalf from asking the debt to be paid but it does have the authority to protect the debtor from being harassed through the use of repeated telephone calls and home visits. A debt collector is not permitted to behave in an abusive manner either.
If the debtor believes he or she has the evidence to prove that a debt collector has breached the conditions set by the FDCPA it may be possible to sue MRS Associates for violating these provisions. The lawsuit must be filed within 12 months of the breach taking place.
What is and What is Not Acceptable Behavior for MRS Associates
MRS Associates is hired by creditors to collect debts. They are eager to please their clients by recovering the debt as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean banging on the debtor’s door at any time or making repeated phone calls.
The debt collector is required to act reasonably when dealing with a client’s debtor. A debt collector is not allowed to visit a debtor’s home or make phone calls before 8 ‘o’clock in the morning or after 9 ‘o’ clock at night unless a prior arrangement with the debtor have been made.
![Has MRS Associates Called Repeatedly?*]()
What to Do if Harassed by MRS Associates
If you believe a debt collector from MRS Associates has gone too far by repeatedly visiting your home and acting in an abusive manner on the phone on far too many occasions, you should try to resolve the matter first. If this fails then you have the right to file a damages claim against the debt collector. This should be done within 12 months of the debt collector violating the provisions in the FDCPA.
How an Attorney can Help
There is nothing preventing you from suing MRS Associates on your own. However, there may be a higher chance you win a better settlement if you hire an attorney to work on your behalf and help you through what is often a difficult legal process.
You and your attorney can work together to gather evidence that proves the debt collector has violated the FDCPA. To get in touch with a lawyer that takes cases in your area, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page today.
*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 MRS Associates, or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.
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