Many people in Cincinnati and throughout Ohio live in constant fear of the next ring of their telephone because they worry that on the other end of phone there might be a creditor ready to harass them about why they have not made their payments.
As an author of a book on the subject suggests in a recent news article, if you are being harassed by an aggressive debt collector, you can explain to them that you will report them if they continue their behavior. This advice may work, but it could also be a good idea to contact an attorney, who may be able to help you understand all of your rights in such a situation.
While a debt collector does have a job to do, they must still follow certain rules put in place by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If they do not follow these mandates, then they might be violating your rights.
Creditors are required only to call during certain hours of the day, unless an agreement has been made with your approval. Additionally, debt collectors are not allowed to contact you at work or contact your employer. If a creditor treats you in these ways, then you might be experiencing creditor harassment.
If you believe that you have experienced creditor harassment, then know that you are not alone. Many people suffer from harassment from these calls on a weekly or even daily basis. People who have endured these calls should not be afraid to report them and possibly press charges against the responsible party.
Your unpaid debts do not entitle creditors to violate your rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was established for a reason. You deserve to have your rights and privacy protected. If you find that creditors continually harass you, then an attorney might help you to understand and protect your rights.
Source: Komo News, “Debt collectors must play by the rules,” Herb Weisbaum, May 2, 2014
