Why do some debt collection agencies continue to violate a landmark consumer protection law by issuing threats to consumers? The answer lies in the power of the almighty dollar. Third party debt collectors such as Account Services Collections, Inc. have two ways to earn substantial profits. The first way involves receiving a commission from an original creditor for collecting an outstanding credit card or personal loan account. As the second way to rake in the cash, bill collectors can purchase delinquent consumer debts for just a fraction of what was originally owed.
If Account Services Collections, Inc. has contacted you and at least some of the communications included one or more threats, you are guaranteed legal protections under a federal law passed in 1978.
About Account Services Collections, Inc.
Before you work with a licensed consumer protection lawyer to fight back against San Antonio-based Account Services Collections, Inc. should learn a little bit about what you are up against. Starting in business nearly 55 years ago, Account Services Collections, Inc. has received the highly coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB accredited the bill collector more than 20 years ago because the company has established a positive reputation for how it interacts with consumers.
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Threats are Unlawful under a Consumer Protection Law
In response to growing consumer frustration, the United States Congress enacted the ultimate consumer Bill of Rights called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA outlaws dozens of previously acceptable debt collection practices, such as timeless practice of harassing consumers over the phone. According to the FDCPA, it is illegal for a third party debt collector to repeatedly call you throughout the day. The FDCPA gives bill collectors a window to call consumers that runs from 8 am until 9 pm seven days a week.
Account Services Collections, Inc. is also forbidden to issue threats, which is an overly aggressive debt collection tactic used to intimidate consumers. The debt collection agency is not allow to threaten you with a lawsuit, although the company is fully within its legal rights to file a claim against you. Threatening to arrest you for not paying off a credit card or a personal loan balance is also a violation of the FDCPA.
What You Can Do to End the Threats
Being on the receiving end of threats can be an emotionally draining experience. Threats issued by a debt collection agency can disrupt your sleep, which can lead to a wide variety of emotional issues that include sudden outbursts and prolonged sullen moods. Emotional distress can diminish the quality of your personal and professional relationships. If Account Services Collections, Inc. has caused you emotional suffering, you should contact a licensed FDCPA attorney.
The Value of an FDCPA Lawyer
Since emotional duress is difficult to prove, working with a highly rated FDCPA attorney will give you a better chance of proving your case. Your FDCPA attorney will present physical and anecdotal evidence in front of a civil court judge. If you present compelling evidence, the judge presiding over your case has the power to award you monetary damages for pain and suffering.
Additional Resources
*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 Account Services Collections, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.