If you have fallen behind on your bills, you understand how difficult it is to climb out of the deep financial hole. Robbing Peter to pay Paul never works, and it certainly does not work when you use money meant for one bill to pay the balance due on another bill. Trying to climb out of a financial hole is made much more difficult when a debt collection agency gets involved, especially if the company violates a landmark federal consumer protection law enacted by the United States Congress.
On September 20, 1977, the United States Congress wrote the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) into federal law. The consumer protection law makes it illegal for third party debt collectors to harass consumers by making repeated phone calls throughout the day. In addition, the FDCPA prohibits bill collectors from making false statements regarding consumer debts.
Examples of False Statements Banned by the FDCPA
Under the FDCPA, a debt collection agency such as National Recoveries, Inc. cannot impersonate another organization. Some companies charged with collecting outstanding consumer debts for original creditors impersonate the IRS in an attempt to strong arm consumers into paying off delinquent credit card and personal loan balances. With the IRS capable of creating panic, imitating the federal tax collection entity is a highly effective way to motivate consumers into taking action. It is also unlawful for a debt collection agency to impersonate an attorney or a law enforcement agency. You should know the United States does not make it illegal for consumer to fall behind on paying their bills.
How to Proceed If National Recoveries, Inc. Makes False Statements
Taking immediate action against a third party debt collector that made false statements regarding your debt is a two-step process. First, you have to present evidence that backs up your claim. Second, you have to demonstrate the false statements issued by a bill collector had a “material” impact on your ability to evaluate all of your personal financial options.
Seeking Monetary Damages in a Civil Court
The FDCPA includes a provision that gives consumers the right to file claims that seek monetary damages for one or more violations of the FDCPA. False statements made by a debt collection agency might trigger the onset of physical and/or emotional duress symptoms. The pressure of having to deal with a deceptive bill collector can lead to many sleepless nights, as well as produce emotional distress symptoms like anxiety, depression, and wild mood swings. Physical distress symptoms can include intense migraine headaches and constant pain in the joints.
Consult with a Licensed FDCPA Lawyer
You can expect a third party debt collector to fend off the charges of making false statements by using the legal expertise of a team of highly skilled litigators. To prevent being outflanked legally by National Recoveries, Inc., you should speak with an experienced consumer protection attorney who specializes in litigating FDCPA cases. Your FDCPA lawyer will know exactly how to proceed with your case.
Schedule a free initial consultation with an FDCPA attorney to learn more about how the FDCPA protects consumers against the false statements made by bill collectors.
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*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 National Recoveries, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.