Third-party collectors like SRS and Associates can be relatively unobtrusive parts of people’s lives. Unfortunately, this may not always be the case. They may call you repeatedly about your debt, and they may even feel compelled to serve you notice to show up in court.
If this happens, consider filing an FDCPA claim. Get to know your rights and talk to an FDCPA attorney. Those two actions will boost your chances of getting through this process successfully.
Know Your Rights
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a law that protects you from harassment from third-party collectors. These are just a few of the prohibited behaviors:
- Trying to collect an old debt
- Using abusive language to scare you into paying
- Asking you to pay more than you owe
- Impersonating the police or the IRS to get you to pay your debt
Keep in mind that this list isn’t even close to exhaustive, so you check with an attorney to see similar types of behavior you may have experienced are considered harassment under the FDCPA.
Don’t hesitate to bring these types of actions up to your attorney; it could undermine the third-party agency’s claim against you.
Going to Court With SRS and Associates
When you file your claim, SRS and Associates will be served notice. The notice will explain why the company is being asked to come to court, along with where and when its representatives should appear. Those two pieces of information are called the complaint and the summons, respectively.
It’s just as important for you to show up to court. It might be scary, but you’re not going to go to jail just for not paying your bills. Not going to court will only make you look irresponsible or disinterested in your case, which could spur a negative outcome.
![Going to Court Against SRS And Associates*]()
How to Prepare
It’s often empowering to know that there are ways to make a difference on the day of your court appearance. One of the best ways of doing this is by gathering all of the evidence that is relevant to your case.
Evidence could include a “bad debt” list that your name appeared on, recorded voicemails where a collector used inappropriate language, or a credit report that includes fall information reported by a third-party collection agency.
You’ll also want to prepare for the day in court by anticipating what questions the other side will ask you. The best way to do this is by soliciting the help of an attorney.
That person’s legal knowledge will not only make it easy for them to figure out what questions to anticipate– it will also make them adept at helping you figure out the best responses to those questions.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced FDCPA attorney could make all the difference when you appear in court. He or she will be able to devote as much time as possible to your case, and you can rest assured that this complex process is being handled by a knowledgeable professional.
It is possible to leave court that day with a clear head and financial compensation, and a capable attorney can make that happen.
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 SRS And Associates or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.