Many people, at some point in their lives, build up a certain amount of debt and may fall behind in making payments. Companies and corporations often hire a debt collection agency to contact debtors about outstanding payments on their behalf.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in an attempt to avoid debt collection agencies using harassing methods, such as unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices, enacted the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in the 1970s. This act is meant to make sure that debt collection agencies follow certain fair and respectable guidelines when contacting debtors, and gives debtors the ability to seek legal recourse in the event that they have been harassed by a debt collection agency over a debt.
Pinnacle Financial Group is a debt collection agency based in Decorah, Iowa. They employ less than ten debt collection agents.
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What to Do if Pinnacle Financial Group is Trying to Collect a Debt from You
If you are a debtor who has been contacted by Pinnacle Financial Group and you feel as if they are violating your rights, which are protected under the FDCPA, there are certain actions you are able to take. For instance, you have the right to ask Pinnacle Financial Group to stop contacting you over your debt. This request can be made verbally or in writing.
The recommended way to make this request is in writing, and sent as certified mail. This way, if you choose to seek legal action against this debt collection agency in a court of law, you have proof that you made a request for cease of contact.
Once Pinnacle Financial Group has received your request to cease contact about your debt, they must stop contacting you about it. If they continue to call you and contact you in other ways, it is recommended that you make a thorough log of every call. Record the date, time, and name of the call representative each time Pinnacle Financial Group contacts you after they have received your request.
According to the FDCPA, each call an agency makes to you after you ask them to stop contacting you counts as a separate violation, and a violation could award you up to $1,000 in compensation.
Also think about hiring an attorney who specializes in FDCPA violation lawsuits to ensure that your lawsuit runs smoothly. This attorney will help you throughout your process of filing a claim against Pinnacle Financial Group for harassing you about your debt. They will also maximize your chances of a successful lawsuit by helping you collect the evidence you need against the debt collection agency, and determining what amount of money in compensation that you should be seeking.
If you decide that you wish to seek legal action against Pinnacle Financial Group for violating your rights under the FDCPA, you are able to file a claim in state court, small claims court, through the FTC, or with your state attorney general.
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 Pinnacle Financial Group, or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.