If you have gotten behind on a bill, or if you are being falsely accused of owing a debt that you don’t owe, there are legal resources available for you and your loved ones. Enacted in 1978, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was created to prevent harassment during debt collections and to stop unscrupulous debt collection practices.
There are strict laws to oversee third-party debt collectors such as Shaffer and Associates, but they don’t always abide by those laws. If they are harassing you, or they don’t validate your debt, you should maintain evidence and file a legal claim against them.
What Is A Debt Validation Letter And Why Do You Need It?
Just because Shaffer and Associates say you owe a debt doesn’t meant hat you do. You have the right to ask for the debt to be validated, and that is what you should do. When they validate it, they should send you a letter that should detail the original debt, proof that you owe it, the amount owed, any fees or other charges, and the other specifics regarding the debt.
Shaffer and Associates will have five days to respond for your request for validation of debt. If they fail to respond to the debt, the FDCPA has been violated. You can file an FDCPA lawsuit against Shaffer and Associates to recover compensation for the damages that they caused you through these illegal collection practices.
Damages You May Be Entitled To Recover
With a successful claim against Shaffer and Associates in court, you recover as much as $1,000 in statutory damages. You may also claim actual damages, which includes physical and emotional damages.
For these claims, the problems you ask to be compensated for should be visible and/or easily proven, such as migraines, tension headaches, rashes or hives, and stress-induced cardiac conditions. You will need to get medical treatment and keep medical records and medical bills.
The court may order Shaffer and Associates to be held responsible for your legal costs associated with the debt collection matter. You can claim emotional distress if the situation has caused anxiety, stress, or depression. Also, you can ask for lost wages and garnished pay, but supporting evidence must be provided to show that Shaffer and Associates is responsible for your damages.
![Did Shaffer and Associates Not Validate Your Debt?]()
Speak With An FDCPA Attorney
If Shaffer and Associates hasn’t responded to your request for debt validation, or if they are harassing you or violating the FDCPA in other ways, you have grounds to file an FDCPA lawsuit. Consult with an attorney who handles debt collector harassment matters in your state.
Your lawyer will explain your rights in detail and will get Shaffer and Associates to stop harassing you. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with an attorney who handles such cases in your area. You have resources available and you don’t have to deal with the harassment from Shaffer and Associates any longer.
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 Eastpoint Recovery Group, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.