You may have started to dread going through the mail. Maybe you’ve started ignoring phone calls. Harassment from third-party collectors like The Bureaus, Inc. can make many everyday types of communication start to feel threatening.
But with the help of an attorney, you can take action, make the harassment end, and make your anxiety a thing of the past.
Know Your Rights
Unfortunately, harassment from third-party collectors is nothing new, and it’s why 1977’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted into federal law. The FDCPA states that third-party collection agencies are not allowed to engage in certain aggressive collection methods, including:
- Calling you before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. in your time zone
- Threatening you with wage garnishment
- Calling you at work after you’ve asked agents not to
- Trying to collect on an old debt
The behavior you’ve been experiencing may not fit neatly into this list. That’s why it’s useful to talk to an FDCPA attorney; he or she will be able to comb through the law and see which provisions will protect you.
![Going to Court Against The Bureaus, Inc.*]()
Going to Court with The Bureaus, Inc.
If you and your attorney think that it’s the best court of action, you will file a claim. At that point, The Bureaus, Inc. will be served a notice that contains a complaint and a summons.
The complaint tells the company why it is being called into court, and the summons gives the details about where and when The Bureaus, Inc. should show up for its day in court.
It can be intimidating to think about facing an agency’s lawyers in court. Do what it takes to steel yourself for that day in court; reminding yourself that you won’t go to jail for not paying your bills can be helpful.
And just as importantly, find a way to get there on time. It’s deeply important for you to show up to court on time when you’re set to appear. Not doing so can leave a bad impression, which can negatively affect your case.
Preparing for Your Court Appearance
Having a successful court appearance often relies on preparation, and this is where your attorney will be particularly helpful. To start, the two of you will collect evidence that support your narrative of being harassed.
Retrieve any correspondence you’ve received from the company or any audio files of phone calls you may have. Your attorney will choose the most compelling evidence and present it in court.
Additionally, your attorney will help you prepare for questions you may receive from The Bureaus, Inc. attorneys. This preparation will help you feel confident in court, which in turn increases your chance of a successful outcome.
Talk to an Attorney
An experienced attorney can be the difference between winning and losing a claim. You don’t have to worry about paying an FDCPA attorney unless you win your claim. Basically, you have little to lose and everything to gain by choosing an attorney. What are you waiting for?
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 The Bureaus, Inc., or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.