Serving Clients Throughout South Mississippi For Over A Decade

Don’t be bullied: Signs a creditor is harassing you about a debt

On Behalf of | Jul 9, 2024 | Uncategorized |

When you have overwhelming debt, the last thing you probably need is to feel like your creditors are bullying you about what you owe. Being harassed about your debt can worsen your overwhelming financial anxieties at a time when you’re barely getting by. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some creditors to resort to unfair practices to collect what you owe them.

Thankfully, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) acknowledges that debt can be a heavy burden. As such, this law contains provisions to protect your rights and help ensure you don’t get harassed. Understanding your rights and recognizing the signs of creditor harassment is crucial to protecting yourself from undue stress and legal violations.

Excessive phone calls

The most prevalent unfair practice among some creditors is frequent and repetitive phone calls. You should know that your creditors are not legally allowed to call you at inconvenient hours. You may be experiencing harassment if your creditors call before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

Threatening or abusive language

Being addressed with abusive, profane or threatening language when you’re struggling to pay your debts can make you feel helpless and dehumanized. You should know that the FDCPA does not allow creditors to use such hurtful language to harass you into paying your debt. Suppose you feel threatened by how your creditors communicate with you; you have the option of taking legal action against them.

Public disclosure of debts

Unfortunately, some creditors may go as far as putting you down by disclosing your debt to third parties without your consent, such as:

  • Your employer
  • Your neighbors
  • Your family members

They may contact others only to obtain your contact information and are not allowed to discuss your debt with them.

False statements or misrepresentations

Another common illegal tactic among some creditors is to mislead you about how much debt you owe or the consequences you may face for the consequences of defaulting on payment. A creditor violates your rights if they pretend to be government representatives to coerce you into making debt payments or threatening actions they cannot legally take.

Creditor harassment is a serious issue that can exacerbate the stress of dealing with debt. Recognizing the signs and knowing your rights are essential steps in protecting yourself. By documenting interactions and seeking necessary legal assistance, you can stand up against harassment and help ensure that debt collectors adhere to the law.