TILA Lawyer New Haven, CT
A TILA lawyer in New Haven, CT from Eric Lindh Foster Law, LLC knows that millions of Americans are drowning in debt, many of whom have collectors going after them. If a debt collector has contacted you, it’s important to know your rights. Our team is well-versed in protecting consumers from the predatory practices of debt collection services. We hear everyday about how collectors have crossed the line. Sometimes, debtors don’t even realize it’s happened until they describe the encounter to us.
This article will explain what you need to know about abusive, unfair or deceptive practices by bill collectors.
Types of Debts That are Covered
Not all debts are covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Consumer debts related to personal, household or family purposes are the only types of debts covered by the statute. Some examples of consumer debts include:
- Delinquent credit cards
- Mortgages on homes, automobiles or other personal property
- Student loans
- Medical bills
Other types of debt are often confused for being covered by the FDCPA but are actually not:
- Taxes: This includes property, state, and federal income taxes.
- Legal fees: If connected to a business dispute, then it’s not covered by the FDCPA
- Parking tickets: Not a consumer debt
- Personal guarantees of business debts: Not a consumer debt
- Domestic support obligations: Most courts consider payments for alimony or child support as non-consumer debt.
Types of Practices that are Forbidden by Debt Collectors
Debt collectors may be calling you several times a day. However, as your New Haven TILA lawyer in CT may tell you, there is no set limit on the number of phone calls you can receive, there is a scope of harassment they must avoid. Debt collectors must not:
- Threaten violence or harm to you or your family.
- Threaten arrest or imprisonment.
- Use obscene and profane language
- Threaten to tell your employer and loved ones about your financial woes.
- Depending on the debt itself, you may receive two to three phone calls per day. But six or more may be too many.
- Falsely identify themselves as a government official or attorney.
- Misrepresent the amount of money that you owe.
- Add interest or other fees onto your debt, unless indicated in your agreement with the original creditor.
- Threaten wage garnishment or property seizure.
When Debt Collectors Violate the Law
Our team works with debt collection victims daily. People like you who may have been harassed, threatened, or even lied to during the debt collection process. It is possible to recover damages and be reimbursed for attorney’s fees and court costs. But, even if you are able to pursue a case against the debt collector, the debt itself does not just go away.
We are skilled at handling the illegal actions of debt collectors. We can also help with debt consolidation and in many cases even negotiate better terms than you had before. We know that right now it may seem like everything is working against you. When you choose to work with our team, you can trust that we’re on your side every step of the way. Call a TILA lawyer in New Haven, Connecticut from Eric Lindh Foster Law, LLC to get started with your consultation today!