In 1978, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was passed as a way to clearly define what third party debt collectors could do in an effort to collect on those debts. In general, the FDCPA should ensure an accurate, transparent, and cordial process. However, there are many debt collectors that ignore the FDCPA. One behavior that the act specifically outlaws is issuing any threats. What Is Considered A Threat? If a debt collection company calls you, be on the lookout for the following threats: Threatening violence or physical harm Threatening to damage the reputation of the debtor Threatening to take any wages or property Threatening to have you arrested Threatening legal action against you Threatening to publish a list of debtors If you heard any of this language during a call with a debt collector, you may be able to claim damages. Damages You May Be Awarded To receive any compensation for FDCPA violations, you will have to prove your claim in court. If you can do that, you will be eligible to receive $1,000 for the violation. If the debt collector has committed multiple FDCPA violations your compensation may be higher. Speak With an Attorney If you believe that a debt collector is threatening you, speak with an attorney. An FDCPA attorney knows your rights, has experience dealing with collection agencies, and will help you gather the evidence that you need for your case. To be connected with an FDCPA attorney, fill out the free evaluation here. If you would like to learn more about specific collection agencies, the list below will provide more information: If a specific debt collection agency has threatened you, find out what to do: Account Services Collections, Inc. Ad Astra Recovery Services, Inc Alliance Collection Services Alliant Capital Management Amcol Systems, Inc. Arnold Scott Harris P.C. Atlantic Credit & Finance Audit Systems Inc. Avante Usa, Ltd. Bernstein, Shapiro & Associates, LLC Capio Partners, LLC Carson Smithfield CBE Group, Inc. CCS Companies CMRE Financial Services, Inc. Commonwealth Financial System Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. Convergent Outsourcing, Inc. Delta Outsource Group, Inc. Donald R. Conrad, PLC EOS CCA FH Cann & Associates Inc. Glass Mountain Capital, LLC Global Credit & Collection Global Collection Agency Harris & Harris, LTD Hunter Warfield, Inc. IMC Credit Services, LLC I.Q. Data International, Inc. Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP McCarthy Burgess & Wolff Medicredit Monarch Recovery Management, Inc. MRS Associates Municipal Services Bureau National Commercial Services Inc. National Credit Adjusters National Recoveries Inc. NCB Management Services, Inc. Paramount Recovery Systems Penn Credit Prince Parker & Associates Professional Account Management, LLC Radius Global Solutions, LLC Rash Curtis & Associates, Inc. Recovery Solutions Group Roquemore & Roquemore, Inc. Scott & Associates Second Look, Inc. Sequium Asset Solutions, LLC Shaffer & Associates SIMM Associates, Inc SRS & Associates, Inc. Synerprise Consulting Services, Inc. Tucker, Albin, & Associates, Inc. Vital Recovery Services