Debt collection agencies have plenty of financial incentive for tracking down consumers and making then pay off delinquent credit card and personal loan balances.
Original creditors either pay third party debt collector a commission for successfully recovered money or original creditors sell outstanding consumer debts for a fraction of what was originally owed. In both cases, bill collectors often resort to overly aggressive debt collection tactics to intimidate consumers.
In response to growing consumer anger, the United States Congress passed the Fair Debt collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA outlaws a large number of debt collection practices that include harassing consumers by making repeated phone calls.
According to the FDCPA, third party debt collectors like Municipal Services Bureau are not allowed to contact third parties regarding outstanding consumer debts.
It is Illegal for Municipal Services Bureau to Contact a Third Party
Why do bill collectors reach out to third parties? The answer is the practice represents a highly effective way to shame consumers into taking care of personal debts.
Whether it is a phone call to a friend at home or to a neighbor at work, a debt collection agency such as Municipal Services Bureau has no shame in trying to shame you into paying off a delinquent credit card or a personal loan account.
However, if a third party debt collector contacts a third party regarding your debt, the company has committed a blatant violation of the FDCPA.
Although it is against the law to contact a third party to discuss a debt you owe, a bill collector can contact a third party just one time to obtain your contact information.
This means Municipal Services Bureau has the right to reach out to a friend or a family member to learn about where you live, as well as the best way to reach you by phone.
If a bill collector calls a third party more than one time for any reason, you have a compelling case for presenting to a licensed FDCPA attorney.
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How to Fight Back against a Debt Collection Agency
How do you prove a bill collector contacted a third party to discuss your debt or called a third party more than one time for any reason?
Evidence is important in getting a debt collection agency off your back and in the case of phone calls, a taped recording of each phone call will go a long way in helping you file a claim.
If a third party debt collector contacts a third party regarding your debt, you should speak with an experienced consumer protection lawyer who has successfully litigated several FDCPA cases. Your attorney will examine the tape recorded evidence, as well as talk with the third party the debt collection agency contacted.
Your FDCPA lawyer might also alert the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the illegal acts committed by Municipal Services Bureau. When the FTC receives a complaint from a consumer, the agency considers the evidence before issuing a ruling.
If a complaint proves to be true and the charge is serious, the FTC might consider revoking the company’s license to do business. Take advantage of the rights granted by the FDCPA by speaking with a highly rated FDCPA attorney.
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 Municipal Services Bureau or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.