It is important that residents throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey are protected from unfair or illegal debt collection practices. The attorneys at The Weitz Firm, LLC have a thorough knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and we are ready to help. Our Philadelphia debt collection attorneys will investigate your claims and help ensure that you can return to a harassment-free life and recover any compensation you may be entitled to.

Debt Collection Harassment – The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collection abuse, deception, and unfair collection practices. The FDCPA sets the boundaries debt collectors must operate in and provides consumers with legal recourse when debt collectors fail to abide by the rules.

Who is covered by the FDCPA?

  • Consumer Debtors: The FDCPA protects consumers with debts for personal, family, or household purposes. Debts related to business matters are not covered by the FDCPA.
  • Third-Party Debt Collectors: The FDCPA applies to entities or individuals attempting to collect debt on behalf of another company or individual.

What does the FDCPA prohibit?

In broadest terms, the FDCPA prohibits harassing, deceptive, and unconscionable debt collection practices. Below are some common examples of debt collection practices and debt collector communications the FDCPA prohibits:

  • Communicating with a debtor before 9:00 am or after 8:00 pm
  • Communicating with a debtor if the collector is aware the debtor has retained an attorney
  • Communicating with a debtor at their place of employment
  • Communicating with a third-party in connection with the debtor’s debt without consent
  • Failing to cease communications with a debtor after requested to stop
  • Using or threatening violence or other criminal means
  • Using obscene or profane language
  • Publishing a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts
  • Repeatedly calling with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number
  • Falsely claim to be or imply he is a government official
  • Falsely represent the character, status, or amount of the debt
  • Falsely claim to be an attorney
  • Representing or implying that non-payment of the debt will result in the debtor’s arrest, imprisonment, and/or confiscation of their property
  • Threatening impermissible legal actions or legal actions that are not intended
  • Communicating false information about the debtor’s credit
  • Using false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect the debt
  • Failing to disclose interaction(s) with the debtor
  • Falsely representing or implying that collection documents are not of a legal nature
  • Falsely representing or implying they are employed by a consumer reporting agency
  • Collecting interest, fees, charges, or expenses incidental to the initial debt unless authorized by the original agreement creating the debt or permitted by law

Call our Philadelphia debt collection attorney today

If you or somebody you care about has been the victim of illegal or unfair debt collection practices in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, turn to The Weitz Firm, LLC today. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling these claims, and we are ready to get to work on your behalf. If your lawsuit prevails, the FDCPA permits the recovery of attorneys’ fees for your case, so you will not have to worry about any out-of-pocket costs for your case. When you need a Philadelphia debt collection attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.

Click To Call