Debt Collector Harassment and Abuse
When You Have Had Enough of The Harassment You Can Fight Back
If what a bill collector or collection lawyer is saying to you just doesn't make sense it probably should not have been said. Even if you owe the debt or some portion of the debt but have fallen behind, no one has the right to threaten and embarrass you.
Congress passed a law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA") in 1977 to protect consumers from abusive collectors. The FDCPA says, in effect, that consumer debt collectors must follow some basic guidelines when dealing with consumers. The following types of debt collector behavior toward a consumer over the telephone, in writing, or in person will likely be a violation of the FDCPA:
- Disrespectful
- Undignified
- Unfair, or
- Untrue
If you feel that you have been treated in such a manner, you may have a right to sue the debt collector and get money back from THEM for their misconduct.
If a debt collector has left a voice mail for you or discussed your matter with co-workers, family members or other third parties, they may have violated the FDCPA.
We are happy to review your situation and let you know if you have a case. There is no cost to you.
If you are successful in an FDCPA claim, you can get up to $1,000.00 for the violation plus any actual damages you may have suffered. The best part is the collector will have to pay your attorney fees.
We do not charge any fees to you. We only collect from the debt collector!! Back to Top >>
When Abusive Debt Collectors Cross the Line, Contact The Swaney Law Firm -- We Sue Debt Collectors!
Credit Reporting Problems
The Swaney Law Firm is committed to working with consumers to ensure that their credit reports are accurate and current. We offer a range of services relating to credit reporting problems, including disputing inaccurate and obsolete credit information in credit reports, as well as consumer litigation for impermissible access of credit reports and failure of credit reporting agencies to remove inaccurate or obsolete credit information from your credit report. Back to Top >>
Credit Reports -- The New Consumer Currency
Good credit is perhaps the most important consumer currency in the new digital age. Paying bills on time, meeting financial obligations, making responsible credit decisions are all keys to developing a positive credit rating. However, all of this hard work can be undone by occurrences out of your control. Worse, it is often a time consuming and frustrating process to clean up your credit once you discover problems. Back to Top >>
The Swaney Law Firm – Helping Those Affected by Identity Theft
Identity theft typically occurs when accounts belonging to another person, or accounts opened fraudulently by an impostor, appear on your credit report. Identity theft is among the fastest growing crimes in this country. Oftentimes, innocent consumers don't realize that they have been victimized until they receive collection letters or calls or even get sued for bills they do not owe. These accounts can also come to a consumer's attention when they are in the process of seeking credit and they pull a credit report. Let us help you by using the law to clear your good name and maintain your good credit. Back to Top >>
False Credit Reports
The exponential rise in the use of consumer credit, and the increase in consumers with complaints about their credit reports has focused much attention and concern on consumer credit reports. The credit reporting industry, including the credit bureaus or credit reporting agencies, the credit grantors, and the credit information providers, are subject to their own federal statute, the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Back to Top >>
Merged Credit Files
A "merged" credit file can occur when two individuals have very similar identifying information. An easy example of a merged file is a father and son with the same first and last name. More often, however, it is not so simple. For example, John A. Smith's credit accounts (or "tradelines") may be reported onto John B. Smith's credit report. Sometimes, there is even less rhyme or reason to these errors. Credit reporting agencies use complex computer algorithms to attempt to match consumers with credit information from many different sources, and errors are not uncommon. Back to Top >>
Obsolete Credit Information
In addition to inaccurate information, certain information which is deemed to be "obsolete" also may not be reported. In general, credit information which is over seven years old is obsolete under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Bankruptcy can be reported for ten years. Back to Top >>
Debt Collector Harassment and Abuse FAQs >>