Any number of reasons can cause a New Jersey resident to get behind on his or her financial obligations. When that happens, debt collection actions begin. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), it is possible to stop harassing phone calls from creditors and debt collectors. In fact, some of the practices used by debt collectors are illegal under the Act, and consumers need to know what some of those illegal practices encompass.
One of the tactics some debt collectors use is misrepresenting who they are to consumers. Some will say they are lawyers, law enforcement and/or make other false representations in an attempt to pressure an individual into paying a debt — often through the use of threats of incarceration or litigation. The FDCPA requires that debt collectors accurately identify themselves and the company for which they work.
Other debt collectors call the consumer’s friends, relatives and employers in the hope that embarrassment will force a person to pay. Between these tactics and the seemingly constant barrage of phone calls at all hours of the day and night, a New Jersey resident can be placed under an incredible amount of stress. If any of these illegal practices are used, he or she may file a complaint with the New Jersey Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission and/or file a lawsuit.
Many people are unaware that they do not have to suffer through harassment from debt collectors. It is possible to stop harassing phone calls from creditors and those seeking to collect their accounts. Anyone struggling with debt and collection efforts may benefit from discussing their situation with someone familiar with the FDCPA and debt resolution efforts, including bankruptcy protection.
Source: CBS News, “5 illegal tactics shady debt collectors love“, Mitch Lipka, Feb. 27, 2015
