Protecting New York Consumers From Debt Collection Abuse And Credit Reporting Errors
September 12, 2008
The phone is ringing . . . for the upteenth time in the past hour.
The debt collectors are calling you day and night, at home and at work. They threaten you and call your friends and neighbors. You’re afraid to pick up the phone, and you’re scared you may lose your job.
The letters are coming so fast your mailbox is buckling under the weight of all those envelopes.
Every day you feel your stomach turn as you get the mail, knowing there will be a flood of new letters. It’s gotten so bad you’ve stopped opening your mail.
Your credit report is so riddled with problems you’ll never be able to qualify for a new home, car, apartment or a better job.
You’ve called the credit reporting agencies and stayed on hold for hours. You called the credit card companies to try to get them to fix the errors. You’ve sent more letters and faxes than you can remember.
You don’t even understand most of the mumbo-jumbo on the credit reports, but you know there’s a bunch of stuff that’s just plain wrong.
No matter what you do, the errors on your credit report just won’t go away.
You Have Rights To Fight Back Against Debt Collection Abuse And Credit Reporting Errors
Debt collectors and credit reporting agencies are governed by federal and state laws. They are required to deal with you fairly and honestly to resolve your disputes, and they can’t abuse you.
For instance, did you know that . . .
. . . debt collectors can’t keep calling you once you tell them to stop?
. . . you have the absolute right to demand validation and verification of your consumer debts?
. . . you can’t be thrown into jail for failing to pay a credit card bill?
. . . it’s illegal for a bill collector to call you at work if you let them know you’re not allowed to get personal calls?
. . . credit reporting agencies are required to investigate all valid disputes - and correct those disputes in a timely manner?
When Debt Collection Harassment Crosses The Line . . . Or When Your Credit Reporting Errors Keep Popping Back Up . . . We Can Help!
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and a host of other state and federal laws protect you from abusive debt collectors and credit reporting errors. Used properly, these laws can help you level the playing field.
Photos courtesy of Rodrigo Godoy and Casey Serin.
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