Economic struggles strike most people at some point in their lives. When this happens, debts can accrue, and paying them off may seem an impossible task. When things can’t seem to get any worse, creditor harassment begins. Between federal regulations and the assistance of an experienced bankruptcy law attorney, it is possible for Michigan residents to stop creditor harassment.
Believe it or not, consumer protection laws are in place to keep creditors in check. While they do have the right to pursue the collection of money owed them, there are limits to what they are allowed to do. Creditors are not allowed to:
- Make threats against one’s person, home or, in certain circumstances, one’s wages
- Make threats of criminal charges
- Accuse one of fraud
- Use foul language
- Make frequent calls to one’s home or work at all hours of the day
- Try to collect more than what is owed
According to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, creditors may call one’s home between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and make frequent attempts to collect via phone, email, letters or texts, as long as it is done without making threats. Those who believe that they are victims of creditor harassment may report the issue. If, after a full investigation, a creditor is found to have engaged in collection practices that are illegal, the company and the collectors responsible may face fines and even criminal charges.
Michigan residents who are victims of creditor harassment may have the right to take legal actions to stop it and even seek monetary compensation for any distress it has caused. An experienced bankruptcy law attorney will be able to assist with this. Further assistance can also be provided to help those struggling financially find debt relief options that will benefit their economic situations.
Source: ftc.gov, “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act“, Accessed on May 25, 2017
