According to a new report, Georgians are filing a record number of complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against debt collectors. As it turns out, there are good reasons for this. In recent years, several Georgia-based debt collection firms have been accused of abusive debt collection practices and some have been sued under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Unfortunately, abusive debt collectors aren’t limited to Georgia. Consumers all over the country are threatened and harassed daily by debt collectors or collection agencies who either don’t know the law or just don’t care. In fact, complaints have been so high that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken action.
The First-Ever National Survey of Consumer Experiences with Debt Collectors
Georgia consumers who feel that they’ve been threatened by a debt collector should know that they’re definitely not alone. According to results from a survey that was recently conducted by the CFPB, one out of four consumers has also felt this way. Other findings from the CFPB survey include:
- Three out of four consumers report that debt collectors refused to cease contact when asked to do so. Around 40% of those surveyed have made these types of requests.
- 53% of survey respondents say that they’ve experienced a debt collection effort that was incorrect in some way. They’ve either been asked to pay the wrong amount, have been mistaken for a family member, or have been pursued for a debt that simply wasn’t owed at all.
- 36% of consumers who’ve been contacted by a debt collector claim that they have been called between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. This is illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
In addition to publishing the results of this study, the CFPB is also collecting and posting personal debt collection stories (as online videos) from consumers who are willing to share. All of this is meant to let consumers know that they have rights when it comes to debt collectors. In Georgia, you are also protected by both the FDCPA and the Georgia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This means that if you feel you’re being harassed by an abusive debt collector, you can and should seek legal action.
How Georgia Consumers can Protect Themselves against Abusive Debt Collectors
While many Georgia consumers speak up about abusive debt collection practices, there are individuals who don’t know their rights. You should never feel bullied by debt collectors. If a representative from a debt collection agency ever uses threatening language with you, calls you when they’re not supposed to, or refuses to stop calling when you ask, you can take action. Not sure where start? Get a FREE lawyer to help you through the entire process.
At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we have a lot of experience when it comes to dealing with debt collectors that violate the FDCPA. We WILL make them stop, and we may even be able to get you a cash settlement for your troubles.
The Free and Legal way to End Debt Collector Harassment
At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we’ve had years of experience when it comes to stopping debt collector harassment. We’ve also been cleaning up credit reports for consumers since 2008 for free. How do we do it? All of our fees come from the defendants in cases that are settled. This is why our clients pay nothing for the work we do.
Let’s start the conversation about what we can do for your credit. Set up your free consultation today by calling Attorney Gary Nitzkin at (404)591-6680 or sending him a message through our contact page.
