If you are swimming in debt, you understand how stress and anxiety can severely disrupt your life. Shame, even embarrassment, take over every facet of your life. Well, things can get worse when a debt collection agency literally comes a calling.
Third party debt collectors such as Municipal Services Bureau relentlessly pursue consumers to collect outstanding credit card and personal loan balances.
Whether the companies work for original creditors or purchase delinquent consumer debts, you can expect a letter sent by a bill collector to be quickly followed up by frequent phone calls. Sometimes, debt collection agencies cross the legal line.
If you have endured illegal debt collection practices, you have the right to start a claim against a debt collection agency like Municipal Services Bureau.
How a Consumer Protection Law Helps You
On September 20, 1977, the United States Congress irrevocably changed the relationship between consumers and third party debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) represents the most important consumer protection law ever passed by Congress.
It includes numerous provisions that outlaw specific bill collector tactics. If Municipal Services Bureau calls you at home or on your cell phone, the company must place the calls between 8 am and 9 pm.
Any phone calls made after nine in the evening and eight in the morning are considered violations of the FDCPA. Debt collection agencies must not use deception to coerce consumers into paying off outstanding debts.
Deception includes impersonating a law enforcement agency or hoodwinking consumers into paying more than they should to settle a delinquent debt.
The FDCPA gives consumers several options for handling unethical third party debt collectors. One of the most effective options involves sending a cease and desist letter demanding an end to all forms of communication from a bill collector.
For a cease and desist letter to influence a bill collector such as Municipal Services Bureau, you should work with a licensed consumer protection lawyer that knows how to word the letter, as well as send the letter via certified mail.
Any emotionally charged language used in a cease and desist letter will dilute the impact of the request. Moreover, your attorney might recommend filing a claim against Municipal Services Bureau.
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Preparing a Claim against Municipal Services Bureau
Filing a FDCPA lawsuit requires the legal expertise of a licensed consumer protection lawyer. By hiring an attorney, you ensure every deadline established by a civil court is met in a timely matter. Your lawyer will work closely with you by organizing all the documentation needed to prove your case.
Documentation can include medical records that demonstrate physical and/or emotional distress, as well as time records showing the amount of wages lost because of debt collection agency harassment.
Preparing a claim against Municipal Services Bureau also includes your FDCPA attorney interviewing expert witnesses that connect your pain and suffering to the illegal tactics implemented by the third party debt collector.
Another way a lawyer will help you prepare a claim is to file complaints with different government agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Starting a claim against Municipal Services Bureau represents a highly involved legal process. Make sure the legal system works for you by speaking with an experienced FDCPA lawyer 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 Municipal Services Bureau or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.