Debt collection agencies have plenty of incentive to come hard after consumers. In fact, the incentive is so powerful that some third party debt collectors break the law when chasing down outstanding credit card and personal loan accounts.
It is all about the money.
Original creditors have two ways to recover at least some of the money lent to consumers. The first way involves paying bill collectors a percentage of what is collected. By far the more lucrative way for debt collection agencies is to pay original creditors a fraction of what is owed on a delinquent consumer debt. For example, a third party debt collector might pay Visa 50% of what is owed on a credit card or personal loan balance, and then turn around to collect 100% of the money owed by a consumer.
Aggressive bill collector actions often cross the legal line. Fortunately, a federal consumer law protects consumers against debt collection agency abuses.
Examples of Phone Call Harassment
In September of 1977, the United States Congress passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). At the heart of the monumental consumer protection law are several provisions that outlaw aggressive bill collector practices. For years, debt collection agencies harassed consumers by using the telephone to issue threats and use abusive language in attempts to intimidate consumers into taking care of debts. However, the FDCPA prohibits the use of abusive language and the issuing of threats of any kind, especially over the phone.
Other types of phone call harassment does not require a third party debt collector representative to raise his or her voice. With it fairly easy in the digital era to track down neighbors and family members, it is not a surprise that some bill collectors harass consumers by calling people that are close to them. It is called the power of shame and it can motivate consumers into paying off delinquent debts. Who wants a parent or a neighbor coming over to discuss an outstanding credit card or personal loan balance?
![How To Stop Harassing Calls From Elite Recovery Services, Inc]()
How to Make the Phone Calls Stop
By simply hiring a licensed consumer protection lawyer who specializes in litigating FDCPA cases, you send Elite Recovery Services, Inc. the message that you are serious about protecting the rights given to you by the FDCPA. You lawyer will contact Elite Recovery Services, Inc. and explain the FDCPA prohibits phone call harassment. In addition, your FDCPA lawyer will be highly skilled at negotiating debt settlements. This means by settling your delinquent debt for a fraction of what you owe, you can get Elite Recovery Services, Inc. off your back.
Are You Entitled to Monetary Damages?
The FDCPA not only bans certain debt collection practices, it also includes a punitive section in the form of awarding consumers monetary damages. If a third party debt collector such as Elite Recovery Services, Inc. violates one or more provisions of the FDCPA and the violations cause you pain and suffering, you might qualify for a financial award as ordered by the civil court where your case is heard. You can also recover most, if not all of the wages garnished by a bill collector that violated the FDCPA.
Get the most out of the FDCPA by contacting an experienced consumer protection lawyer today.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Elite Recovery Services, Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.