Throughout the state of Florida, individuals are drowning in credit card debt. Florida residents are not alone in this. Throughout the United States, studies recently indicate that on the average, consumers carry four credit cards. In total, the average debt is $6,500. Additionally, close to 5 percent of card holders are behind in their payments two months or more.
As is the case with many creditors, credit card companies do not take kindly to not being paid what is owed. Accordingly, they will do what they can to get the debtors to make payments. While there are rules in place setting forth limits on the measures that can be taken to recoup the money owed, even when a creditor works within those boundaries, their behavior can be frustrating to deal with.
Most creditors seeking to recoup money do so via the telephone. In addition to making multiple calls a day the actual number from which they are calling from may be masked, appearing only as “unknown number.” Believe it of not, they may (and legally can) contact a family member or work supervisor to obtain information on how to contact a debtor. They can also try to access that information on Facebook or another social networking site.
Just because someone is behind in paying their bills, it does not mean that they do not have rights. If debt collectors step outside of the prescribed guidelines while trying to recoup money, they can be legally be held responsible by the debtor.
People who are dealing with financial issues should know that they have options. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can explain what those options are.
Source: ABC 2 News, “How to fight back against debt collectors,” Ed Greenberger, Feb. 23, 2012