If there are past-due bills haunting you, or if you are being accused of owing a debt that isn’t yours, there are resources that can help you. Enacted in 1978, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted to put the harassment of third-party debt collectors to a stop. The FDCPA and other collection laws are designed to protect consumers, but not all debt collectors, such as Municipal Services Bureau, abide by those laws. If you believe you are being harassed by frequent calls from Municipal Services Bureau, and if they don’t validate your debt, you may have grounds to pursue an FDCPA lawsuit against them.
What Is A Debt Validation Letter And Why Do You Need It?
Don’t start making payments to a third-party debt collector simply because they send you a bill. Instead, ask them to confirm or validate that debt and show that you are responsible. When you make the request for debt validation, they are legally required to send you a letter asking for the debt to be validated. The debt must be outlined in detail, including the total you owe, the fees, the original debt amount, and so forth. If you doubt that you owe the debt, you can send Municipal Services Bureau a letter and ask them to send you proof of the debt with the details about it.
The FDCPA indicates the third-party collector must respond promptly to your request for debt validation by providing you with the proper validation of the debt within five days of your written request. If Municipal Services Bureau fails to respond to your request for debt validation within a timely manner, they are violating the FDCPA and you can file a claim against them to recoup compensation for your damages caused by their actions.
![Did Municipal Services Bureau Not Validate Your Debt?*]()
Damages You May Be Entitled To Recover
If you can prove a successful claim against Municipal Services Bureau in court, you can recoup as much as $1,000 in statutory damages. The court may award actual damages, including emotional and physical damages, as well as compensation for garnished pay and lost earnings. The court could hold Municipal Services Bureau responsible for your legal expenses as well.
You may recover compensation for ailments that are easily proven, such as stress headaches, heart problems, and skin rashes. If you suffer from depression, stress, or anxiety attacks, the attorney can ask to recover damages for emotional distress. You should keep documentation, such as medical bills, medical records, and proof of missed work to show that the stress from collections process has caused you damages.
Speak With An FDCPA Attorney
If Municipal Services Bureau didn’t properly validate your debt, they could face legal repercussions. Speak with an FDCPA lawyer who specializes in debt collector harassment matters in your state to learn more about your rights and how to defend yourself. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details about your situation with an attorney who handles FDCPA matters in your area.
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 Ace Cash Express, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.