Has a debt collection agency called you at home late into the night? Do you receive letters at work threatening to size your property to pay off an outstanding credit card or a personal loan balance? Does a representative from a third party debt collector such as Scott & Associates use abusive language when discussing a debt you owe? If you answered yes to any of the questions or have endure the harassment delivered by a bill collector, should reach out to a licensed consumer protection lawyer who specializes in litigating cases involving a monumental consumer protection law.
Written into law by the United States Congress in 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) outlaws a long list of debt collection practices. Bill collectors are not permitted to intimidate consumers by issuing threats of physical harm.
The FDCPA also forbids debt collection agencies from trying to collect money on credit card and personal loan accounts that have already been paid off. Considered the consumer Bill of Rights, the FDCPA also bans the one common practice of repeatedly calling consumers at home and at work.
Report Scott & Associates to a Government Agency
Not only does the FDCPA outlaw certain debt collection practices, the landmark federal consumer protection law also grants consumers the right to report illegal bill collector activities to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Sanctioned to govern every aspect of the FDCPA, the FTC has the power to fine a third party debt collector for frequent violations of the consumer protection law.
You can also report Scott & Associates to your state’s Attorney General Office. Your Attorney General can penalize Scott & Associates and even shut down the debt collection agency.
Tap into the Power of the Better Business Bureau
No other consumer advocacy organization has as much power to influence consumers as the power harnessed by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB acts as a consumer sounding board by posting feedback left consumers concerning companies registered in the United States. By filing a report with the BBB that describes the illegal actions conducted by a third party debt collector, you will negatively impact the reputation of the bill collector. The BBB bases its rating system primarily on the feedback left by consumers.
![Where to Report an FDCPA Violation by Scott & Associates*]()
Filing a Claim against a Bill Collector
In addition to outlawing previously legal debt collection techniques, the FDCPA also grants consumers the power to file claims against lawbreaking debt collection agencies. With enough evidence against Scott & Associates, your FDCPA lawyer might file claim that seeks monetary damages for the pain and suffering caused by physical and/or emotional duress. Evidence can come in the form of documents confirming your symptoms, as well as the testimony provided by qualified medical experts. Unlike statutory damages, monetary damages for physical and/or emotional distress are not limited under the FDCPA.
Do not allow Scott & Associates to get away with FDCPA violations. Work with an experienced FDCPA lawyer to report the third party debt collector and to file a lawsuit that seeks statutory and/or monetary damages.
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 Scott & Associates or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.