You read the first letter sent by a debt collection agency. Subsequent letters found their way unopened into the study trash container. After a few weeks, you noticed the letters had stopped. Soon thereafter, a flurry of phone messages left by the same third party debt collector claimed you could face jail time because you refused to pay off an outstanding credit card account.
The phone messages not only intimidated you; they also came deep into the night when everyone in your house slept.
The bill collector that made the jail threats by leaving phone messages at odd hours of the day violated two provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Passed by the United States Congress on September 20, 1977, the FDCPA prohibits debt collection agencies from harassing consumers by issuing threats of any kind.
The FDCPA also bans the long standing debt collection practice of placing repeated phone calls between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am. In addition, the third party debt collector harassing you forgot to send you a debt validation letter.
Why a Debt Validation Letter Matters
The FDCPA contains dozens of provisions that outlaw overly aggressively debt collection tactics. What many consumers do not know is the landmark federal consumer protection law makes it illegal for bill collectors to use deception into tricking consumers into taking an action they would not have otherwise taken.
To ensure debt collection agencies refrain from implementing deceptive debt collection practices, the FDCPA requires companies responsible for collecting debts to send consumers a debt validation letter.
Within five days after first contacting you, a third party debt collector such as Reliance Recoveries must send you a debt validation letter via snail mail. The letter is important because it should include the total amount of money you allegedly owe, as well as the name and the contact information for the original creditor.
Knowing the name of the original creditor is especially vital, since some bill collectors claim a creditor hired them to track down a consumer debt, when in fact the companies never received any money to collect a delinquent consumer debt.
![Did Reliance Recoveries Not Validate Your Debt?]()
Are You Eligible for Monetary Damages?
Just one violation of the FDCPA can cost a debt collection agency up to $1,000 in monetary damages. Under the FDCPA, consumer have the right to seek just compensation for statutory damages, which cover every violation of the consumer protection law. All your FDCPA attorney has to do is prove a company like Reliance Recoveries violated at least one provision written into the FDCPA.
Meet with a State Licensed FDCPA Attorney
You can expect a company such as Reliance Recoveries to come after you with a team of accomplished lawyers that know how to defend charges involving the FDCPA. To counter the legal muscle flexed by the third party debt collector, you should consult with an experienced consumer protection lawyer who specializes in litigating FDCPA cases.
You attorney will conduct a meticulous review of your case to determine whether you have enough evidence that shows a bill collector did not send you a timely debt validation letter.
Schedule a free initial consultation today with aa FDCPA lawyer.
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 Reliance Recoveries, or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.