If a Florida resident is experiencing financial difficulty in life, there’s no reason he or she should have to put up with harassment. Yet, that’s just what happens if a debt collector relentlessly calls someone on the phone, launching angry diatribes and threats to secure payments. This type of behavior is unprofessional, unethical and, in some circumstances, illegal.
It’s best not to panic when phone call after phone call comes in regarding an existing debt. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects debtors from unfair treatment. One of the first proactive steps to take to combat harassing phone calls is to ask the person on the other end of the line to send information in writing.
A debtor has a right to receive all pertinent information in writing regarding exactly how money is allegedly owed and to whom, and also how to go about filing a claim if someone believes the debt owed is not valid. Any dispute should also be filed in writing. As long as a written dispute is sent to a collection agency within 30 days of receiving debt notice, then creditors are prohibited from further contact.
To avoid problems regarding sending a letter to a collection agency by postal mail, it can be done through a certified process. It’s also a good idea to keep careful documentation of all phone calls, messages and other correspondence sent by a debt collector. Any Florida resident who believes he or she is being harassed by a debt collector may seek immediate assistance from a debt relief attorney.
Source: bankrate.com, “6 tips for dealing with debt collectors“, Lucy Lazarony, Accessed on Sept. 13, 2017