Banks and credit card companies set deadlines for past due customer accounts. Rolling 30-day periods typically end after six months, when a debt collection agency swoops in to handle an outstanding credit card or personal loan balance. Original creditors such as Macy’s and MasterCard are typically polite when trying to settle delinquent customer accounts. Because of the incredible profits generated by chasing down consumers, many debt collection agencies are not as polite.
Did Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc. threaten you? If you answered yes, there is a federal consumer protection law that can make the threats stop.
About Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc.
As a debt collection agency that specializes in handling the collection of delinquent credit card accounts, Tucker, Albin & Associates have operated as a corporation since 2008. The company has received several complaints from consumers that have posted reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Many of the complaints focus on the unwillingness of the company to respond to consumer questions in a timely manner. The BBB has given the third party debt collector its highest rating of A+.
![Did Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc. Threaten You?*]()
Debt Collection Tactics Banned by a Federal Law
In response to pressure from American consumers, the United States Congress passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The 1977 federal consumer protection law prohibits bill collectors from making repeated phone calls to consumer cell phones and land lines throughout the day. In addition, a debt collection agency like Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc. cannot call you between 9 pm and 8 am. The most effective way to prove a third party debt collector violated the phone call provision of the FDCPA is to record and time stamp every phone message and conversation. Make sure you live in a one-party consent tape before taping phone conversation.
When it comes to addressing threats, the FDCPA has little tolerance for the intimidating debt collection tactic. Under the FDCPA, Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc. cannot threaten to garnish your wages. This type of threat is used to force consumers into taking immediate action of an outstanding credit card or personal loan account. Although a bill collector cannot threaten to garnish your wages, the company is within the law by filing an application that seeks a judicial order approving the garnishment of your wages.
Actual Damages Awarded by the FDCPA
Dealing with an overly aggressive debt collection agency can trigger acute stress. The constant barrage of stressful days often leads to emotional issues, such as having trouble interacting with family members. If you suffer from emotional distress because of the harassment handed out by a third party debt collector, you might be eligible to receive actual damages for your pain and suffering. A licensed consumer protection lawyer who has litigated numerous FDCPA cases will determine if you have a strong enough case to file a claim against Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc.
Work with an FDCPA Attorney
The complexity of federal consumer protection laws, combined with the pressure put on you by a third party debt collector, should motivate you to contact a FDCPA lawyer. Most consumer protection lawyers schedule free initial consultations with clients to decide how to proceed with each unique case.
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 Tucker, Albin & Associates, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.