It’s easy to feel guilty about being in debt. In fact, the feeling can be so punishing that consumers feel that they need to put up with harassment from third-party collectors.
However, most third-party collectors like Forster Garbus behave scrupulously. This means that if you’ve been experiencing harassment from a third-party collection agency, your experience is an unfortunate outlier.
But more importantly, it’s a situation that you can improve if you’re willing to take Forster Garbus to court.
Know Your Rights
When you’re being harassed, it’s very easy to forget that you have legal options. In fact, there’s a specific federal law that protects you from third-party collectors’ bad behavior.
It’s called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and it prohibits a wide range of aggressive behavior from third-party collectors. Some of these prohibited behaviors include:
- Impersonating an IRS agent or police officer
- Threatening you with wage garnishment
- Leaving you multiple voicemails
- Discussing the debt with anyone but you, your attorney, and/or your spouse
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, and you should bring up any worrisome behavior to an FDCPA attorney. If it feels like harassment, there’s a good chance that it is.
Going to Court with Forster Garbus
When you file a claim against Forster Garbus, the company will receive a notice. The notice contains a summons and a complaint. The summons tells the company where and when to appear in court, and the complaint explains why the company is being asked to appear in court.
Forster Garbus is going to do its best to make a good impression, and so should you. This means showing up to court prepared and on-time.
Plan your travel arrangements so that you’re set to arrive at least 15 minutes before the actual start time. Being late creates a very bad impression in court, so avoid that possibility at all costs.
Third-party collectors often make people feel ashamed of their debt, which makes consumers less likely to seek out help. That mentality is a trap. Contact an experienced FDCPA attorney today, and remember that nobody deserves harassment.
![Going to Court Against Forster Garbus*]()
How to Prepare for Your Appearance
Additionally, make sure that you’re prepared, specifically in regards to evidence and an understanding of the questions you may be asked.
You can start gathering evidence even before you hire an FCPA attorney. If you happened to keep the absurd number of voicemails that a company representative left you or any embarrassing mail sent on the company’s behalf, you can use them in court.
Basically, anything that supports the narrative that you’re being harassed by the company could serve as evidence.
Your lawyer will help with the evidence-gathering process, but your lawyer’s expertise will also be useful when it comes to prepping for the questions Forster Garbus’s attorney may ask you.
Being able to anticipate what the other side may ask won’t just help your case– it’ll help you enter the courtroom with your head held high. That self-assurance has a bigger impact on your case than you might imagine, and preparing for trial with an FDCPA attorney can help you attain it.
An FDCPA Attorney Can Help
Third-party collectors often make people feel ashamed of their debt, which makes consumers less likely to seek out help. That mentality is a trap. Contact an experienced FDCPA attorney today, and remember that nobody deserves harassment.
You’ve been feeling ashamed long enough. No matter how large your debt is, you don’t deserve to be harassed. Your attorney will have the legal expertise it takes to mount a legal case that could finally free you from aggressive collectors. Your wellbeing can’t wait; contact one 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 Forster Garbus or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
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