If you are behind on paying your monthly bills or worse, you have a debt collection agency harassing you at home and at work, you should know that a federal consumer protection law has your back. Enacted by the United States Congress on September 20, 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) outlaws dozens of debt collection tactics that were once considered lawful. Unfortunately, some third party debt collectors do not follow the legal provisions written into the FDCPA. If Amcol Systems, Inc. violated one or more provisions of the FDCPA, you should speak with a licensed consumer protection attorney who specializes in handling FDCPA cases.
About Amcol Systems, Inc.
Operating multiple locations across the southeastern seaboard of the United States, most of the business handled by Amcol Systems, Inc. is conducted in South Carolina. The Columbia, South Carolina based debt collection agency has earned the Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation distinction since 2013. The BBB hands out accreditations to companies that follow a strictly enforced set of business principles. For Amcol Systems, Inc., accreditation from the BBB means the company does a good job of addressing consumer complaints. The BBB has awarded the third party debt collector the highest rating of A+.
How the FDCPA Protects Consumers
Often referred to as the consumer Bill of Rights, the FDCPA prohibits bill collectors from verbally abusing consumers. This means a representative from Amcol Systems, Inc. cannot use profanity when discussing a delinquent credit card or personal loan balance. The debt collection agency is not allowed to issue a threat to seize your property. Third party debt collectors issue the property seizure threats to scare consumers into taking action. You do not have to tolerate threats of arrest, as the United States does not permit the operation of debtor prisons. Finally, Amcol Systems, Inc. is barred from threatening to cause you bodily harm because of your unwillingness to comply with the company’s illegal demands.
Although the FDCPA addresses the direct threats made by bill collectors, there is some confusion when it comes to the legality of indirect threats. An indirect threat issued by a debt collection agency can be “Pay the balance on this debt now!” or “You have 30 days to settle this account.” The two demands are aggressive in tone, but both demands do not cross the legal line. For an indirect threat to morph into a direct threat, a third party debt collector has to describe the consequences of not meeting the company’s demands. For example, “Pay the balance on this debt now, or we will contact one of your relatives” constitutes a direct threat according to the FDCPA.
![Did Amcol Systems, Inc. Threaten You?*]()
Work with an FDCPA Attorney
The FDCPA not only outlaws numerous debt collection tactics, the landmark consumer protection law also grants consumers the right to file a claim seeking statutory damages. With a maximum amount of $1,000, statutory damages cover all the FDCPA violations committed by a bill collector. Your FDCPA lawyer might also file a lawsuit seeking monetary damages, which cover the cost of lost wages and the money garnished out of your paychecks to take care of an outstanding debt.
Be proactive by scheduling a free initial consultation with a highly rated FDCPA lawyer.
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 Amcol Systems, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.