There was a time when debt collection agencies could do just about anything they wanted to collect a delinquent consumer debt. Just short of implementing classic extortion techniques, third party debt collectors harassed and intimidated customers by using a wide variety of tactics. In response to growing consumer anger, the United States Congress enacted what many legal scholars refer to today as the ultimate consumer bill of rights.
Written into law on September 20, 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act contains dozens of provisions that outlaw previously legal debt collection practices. For example, bill collectors are no longer permitted to contact friends and family members. Shame and embarrassment are powerful motivators, and many debt collection agencies rely on the negative emotions to convince consumers to take care of outstanding credit card and personal loan accounts. Debt collection agencies like Credence Resources Management, LLC are also prohibited from using abusive language over the phone, as well as within any written correspondence.
Reporting Unlawful Debt Collection Techniques
According to the FDCPA, you have the right to alert a couple of government agencies about illicit debt collection agency behavior. First, you should schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed consumer protection attorney. Your FDCPA might report the illegal actions to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which represents the federal agency responsible for managing the federal consumer protection law. Another option involves reporting Credence Resources Management, LLC to your state’s Attorney General Office. The Attorney General can slap a fine on the third party debt collector and/or suspend its operating licenses.
Reach Out to the Better Business Bureau
One of the services your FDCPA attorney can provide is to negotiate a debt settlement with Credence Resources Management, LLC. First, he or she might contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to request the consumer advocate organization represent you in a debt dispute meeting. During the meeting, a representative from the BBB will try negotiate a resolution to the debt dispute. The BBB is also a powerful source of consumer information. If a bill collector has violated one or more provisions of the FDCPA, you can pass on your information for publication in the consumer feedback section of the BBB website.
![Report a Violation by Credence Resources Management, LLC*]()
Filing a Claim against Credence Resources Management, LLC
In addition to making it illegal for Credence Resources Management, LLC to harass and intimidate you, the FDCPA includes a punitive section allowing you to seek just compensation for suffering from physical and emotional duress. You can also request the judge presiding over your case to issue a ruling that forces the debt collection agency to cover lost wages, such as the money taken because of a wage garnishment order. Your lawyer can also seek statutory damages for every violation of the FDCPA. Federal consumer protection law caps statutory damages at $1,000, although the FDCPA does not limit the amount of money awarded for monetary damages. Having a highly rated FDCPA lawyer by your side is important because Credence Resources Management, LLC will have a team of accomplished litigators arguing for full payment of what you owe.
Speak with an experienced FDCPA attorney today to report the illegal actions conducted by a bill collector.
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 Credence Resources Management, LLC or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.