Being in debt is stressful enough. But if you add the harassment that comes from some third-party collectors, then being in debt can leave you feeling completely deflated and helpless. When third-party collectors are calling you night and day or possibly publicizing your debt to people who are unauthorized to talk about it, the suffering can get to feel like too much.
These collectors have to stop. Not just because their behavior is morally wrong, but also because it’s illegal. The Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) keeps them from engaging in egregious behavior when they attempt to collect a debt. Under the law, third-party collectors are not allowed to call you before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. in your time zone, impersonate members of the IRS, threaten you with legal action, or collect an old debt.
There are many other prohibited behaviors under the law. You can get them to finally stop by arming yourself with information and contacting an FDCPA attorney for legal consultation–and possibly representation.
Mississippi’s Debt Collection Protections
In Mississippi, you are probably better off using the FDCPA’s protections to form a case against your third-party collectors. Compared to Mississippi’s laws, the FDCPA is broader and more robust.
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That being said, there are some unique components to debt collection laws in Mississippi that could be helpful to you. For example, in Mississippi, debt collectors aren’t allowed to collect on old debts that have passed a certain statute of limitations. In Mississippi, that statute of limitations is 3 years on most debts. This includes credit card debts, oral or written contracts, and promissory notes.
The FDCPA and You
There are a number of actions that third-party collectors are not allowed to take under the FDCPA. Third-party collectors are not allowed to do any of the following when attempting to collect a debt:
- Make false statements or threats
- Impersonate a member of the IRS
- Ask you to pay more than you should based on the initial agreement
- Make your phone ring repeatedly
- Try to collect a debt that you’ve already paid
There are even more actions that are banned under the FDCPA. Look into what your rights are under the law, and then contact an FDCPA attorney to find out if you have a viable claim.
Talk to An Attorney Today
When third-party collectors abuse their position, they diminish the legitimacy of an entire profession and cause a great deal of needless suffering. Their behavior affects both the consumers and the entire debt collection industry’s reputation.
These unscrupulous collectors must be stopped right away. The best way to do this is have an attorney advocate on your behalf. An experienced FDCPA attorney is one of your best tools for making these collectors stop bothering you. That attorney will collect evidence, argue on your behalf, and possibly secure you compensation. He or she will do all of this without even getting paid upfront–in fact, FDCPA attorneys only get paid if you win your case.
That compensation could amount to $1,000 per violation, which is no small sum. So contact an FDCPA attorney today, and get on track to getting your life back.