According to the “Top 10 List of Complaints” by Illinois consumers last year, phone calls regarding consumer debt harassment topped the list at number one. This statistic proves two things: that the state is still suffering from high unemployment rates and other financial troubles as a result of the failed economy, and people are as annoyed as ever by debt collection calls. This problem is not limited to the residents of Illinois; in fact, this is a nationwide dilemma.
Many of these complaints were made by people who experienced collection agency harassment. Abusive tactics were reported, including illegal practices used to scare people into making a payment. These scare tactics can be very convincing at times, but as the old saying goes “you can’t get blood from a stone.” In most cases, the consumer does not have enough money to pay off their debts otherwise their accounts would not be in collections in the first place. Until consumers are able to come up with enough money to make a payment, how can they stop debt collectors from abusing their power?
Consumers have two options: turn them in and/or sue them. There are laws in place that regulate debt collection practices, and agencies should be held accountable when they break the rules. First, go to the Fair Trade Commission to complain then do the same with your state’s attorney general. A last resort to make the harassment stop is to take legal action against the offending agency. Some debt collectors are so ruthless that it seems as though they want your happiness and peace of mind along with your money. Don’t let them control your life – find an attorney that will fight for your health and your wealth against illegal and unfair debt harassment practices.
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