When Collection Agencies Go Too Far

Many collection agencies employ unfair, deceptive, or downright illegal tactics when trying to settle accounts sent to collection. The majority of their victims are poor and/or non-English speaking individuals. However, anyone who has had an account sent to collections could find them self on the receiving end of their unfair and deceptive practices. You do have recourse if you've been a target of their shady practices.

Some of the common practices employed by collection agencies are to use profanity, intimidation, or threats to extract money from debtors. They have even been known to impersonate law personnel or falsity documents in their quest to extort money. Sometimes they have even pulled the adult children or parents of debtors into the fray. None of these practices are allowed. Even debtors have rights and those rights are protected specifically under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The Act provides recourse for those who have been the victim of repeated violations, especially if they have a witness. If you can prove your rights were violated, you can even sue or possibly receive punitive damages.

You should let the authorities know if you have been the victim of a collection agency that has broken the law or otherwise overstepped its bounds. Taking decisive action to hold them accountable will help prevent further abuse and could possibly even result in the cancellation of the money you owe.

Direct your complaints to either your state's Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who the governing bodies in these matters. You might also want to contact your original creditor for redress as they can be held liable in some cases for actions taken on their behalf.

To start with, detail the violations committed by the collection agency in a letter you send to your original creditor. Indicate your willingness to fore go potential legal action if they agree to forgive your entire debt and remove any related items on your credit report. Most creditors don't want to avoid any potential damage to their reputation posed by a trial, so this could end the matter.

If you have been the victim of an overzealous collection agency, you are protected under the law. You need to document repeated violations and preferably have a witness. Sometimes just making a creditor formally aware (in writing) of the abuse, may lead to speedy resolution of your debt as most creditors will just want to see the matter go away. Other potential victims, as well as your wallet, could benefit from your action.

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