Before September 20, 1977, debt collection agencies were not legally obligated to follow ethical debt collection standards. In fact, far too many third party debt collectors resorted to using harassing and intimidating debt collection tactics. The same unethical bill collectors also used deceptive debt collection practices to trick consumers into taking care of outstanding credit card and personal loan balances. In response to intense consumer pressure, the United States Congress enacted the monumental Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Considered the ultimate consumer protection law by many legal scholars, the FDCPA outlaws dozens of previously legal overly aggressive debt collection tactics. For example, a debt collection agency cannot harass you by calling your cell phone repeatedly throughout the day. The FDCPA also bars third party debt collectors such as Synerprise Consulting Services, Inc. from making false statements regarding personal debts.
Examples of False Statements
One of the most effective false statements made by many third party debt collectors involves impersonating another organization. If a bill collector claims it is connected with a law firm when in fact they are not, then the company has made a false statement that is in direct violation of the FDCPA. A company might claim you owe money on a debt that is not your legal obligation to pay off. Some bill collector try to trick consumers by claiming the consumers owe money on a debt that is actually the responsibility of an ex-spouse or a deceased family member. Moreover, a debt collection agency cannot provide the three major credit reporting bureaus with wrong information.
How to Proceed in a False Statements Case
When the Eighth Circuit court issued a ruling in 2018 concerning the FDCPA, it changed the way the federal law addressed the illegal practice of making false statements regarding personal debts. Not only do you have to prove a company made false statements, you also have to demonstrate the false statements were “material” to how you made financial decisions. A debt collection agency like Synerprise Consulting Services, Inc. might make a false statement, but the false statement had no influence on how you handled your personal finances.
Filing a Claim for Monetary Damages
Consumers have the right under the FDCPA to file lawsuits in civil courts to punish third party debt collectors for FDCPA violations. If you can prove a bill collector lied to you and the lie negatively impacted your ability to make sound financial decisions, then you might be eligible to receive just compensation for your pain and suffering. Dealing with a fraudulent debt collection agency can trigger physical and/or emotional duress symptoms. Some of the physical symptoms associated with FDCPA cases include skin rashes and a rapid rise in blood pressure.
![False Statements | Synerprise Consulting Services, Inc.*]()
Work with a Highly Rated Consumer Protection Attorney
Filing an FDCPA claim is serious business. The third party debt collector that responds to your claim will come to court with a team of high-powered lawyers. Make sure you to level the legal playing field by scheduling a free initial consultation with a licensed consumer protection attorney who specializes in handling FDCPA cases.
Additional Reading
*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 Synerprise Consulting Services, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.