West Palm Beach Bankruptcy Attorney
Creditor Harassment Laws
It is perfectly understandable that creditors want to be repaid for loans. They have several ways to do that, such as taking legal action against debtors. Unfortunately, some creditors care more about getting their money than basic respect and will cross the line into harassment. The good news is that Florida consumer protection laws make certain egregious behaviors illegal.
Creditors and debt collection agencies are forbidden from:
- Using foul language, insults, or threats of violence
- Falsely identifying themselves or refusing to identify themselves
- Constantly calling your home or business as a form of harassment
- Leaving information about your debt with neighbors
- Threatening to contact your employer without permission
- Threatening to otherwise use your debt to damage your reputation
- Publishing a list of people behind on payments
Creditors versus Debt Collection Agencies
The laws regulating creditors (such as banks and their employees) and hired debt collection agencies are somewhat different, although harassment is illegal no matter who is doing it. This is part of the reason that it is illegal for debt collectors to refuse to identify themselves; you have the right to know who is contacting you and for whom they work.
It is important to note that all of the behaviors listed above are illegal for both creditors and debt collection agencies. If anyone is subjecting you to this treatment, you have the right to take legal action against them to end the harassment.
Contact a West Palm Beach Bankruptcy Attorney
A qualified attorney can explain your rights in detail and help you end collection calls once and for all by working your way out of debt. Contact West Palm Beach bankruptcy attorney Eric Klein today by calling 561-353-2800.
