How to Report a Collection Agency or Debt Collector for Harassment
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you in several different ways. Essentially, the FDCPA protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices, such as foul language and misleading communication. They aren’t allowed to lie to you, nor wreck your life with harassing and embarrassing phone calls. Thanks to this Act, you control communication with debt collectors! You can limit when and how debt collectors contact you. It curbs lying, harassment, threats of violence, and other unfair behavior by debt collectors. All of this is great, but the real world often works a little differently than that. The truth is that debt collectors may not be following these rules to the letter of the law, even though they know they should be. While these protections are built into the law, they may not come automatically to you. That is where we come in to help. If you are repeatedly dealing with a debt collector or debt collection agency who is violating the FDCPA, it is time to do something about it. You don’t have to live this way, and they know it! You can take action in three easy steps: #1 Ensure they are in violation of the Act. Before you can move forward, it is essential to know for sure the collection agency is violating the FDCPA. To find out more about what these laws are and what collection agencies can do, contact Safe Credit Solutions. We know the law very well and can help you with collections harassment. #2 File a complaint. This complaint could be made to several different places, including with the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In fact, you may decide it is warranted to complain to all three! These government agencies seek to protect consumers, as well as promote fair competition within the financial markets by ensuring that the laws are properly upheld. The Better Business Bureau is a non-profit organization that works alongside businesses in all industries to promote ethical, trustworthy business practices with all business entities, including debt collection agencies. #3 Contact your state’s Attorney General. The FDCPA is a federal rule. In addition to it, some states have their own laws in regards to debt collection. To find out more about the laws in your state, contact your Attorney General. If you find that the debt collector in question appears to be breaking your state-specific laws, you can file an additional complaint with the Attorney General as well. If you believe that you are being harassed or treated unfairly by a debt collector, make today the day you do something about it. You are not fighting this fight alone! Safe Credit Solutions is here to be on your side. Reach out today and learn more about how we can help you with debt collection...
read more5 Ways the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Protects You
If you are in debt and struggling to keep your head above water, it is easy to feel like there is no one on your side. It is you against the world trying to get out of your ocean of financial trouble. In fact, there are people on your side, including us here at Safe Credit Solutions. This is why we want to tell you about a legal protection you can and should be taking advantage of called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). It protects you in several different ways you certainly want to know about. The truth is that debt collectors may not be following these rules to the letter of the law. That is where we come in to help. First let’s talk a little about what the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is, then we can discuss how it protects you in more detail. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Essentially, the FDCPA protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices, such as foul language and misleading communication. They aren’t allowed to lie to you, nor wreck your life with harassing and embarrassing phone calls. Thanks to this Act, you control communication with debt collectors! How it Protects You #1 You can limit when and how debt collectors contact you. Debt collectors can’t contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or at work once you ask them not to. They must communicate through your attorney if you’re represented by one. As well, they can’t communicate about your debt with third parties, such as your employer, neighbors, or even family. In fact, they must cease contact entirely if you request it! #2 You’re protected from harassment or abuse. They are not permitted to use profane language, threaten to use violence, or call you repeatedly to annoy or harass you. This is defined as more than once a day about a specific debt, or within a week of having a conversation with you about a debt. #3 Debt collectors must be truthful with you. Debt collectors cannot use any false, deceptive, or misleading representation to collect the debt. More specifically, they cannot lie about the legal repercussions for not paying the debt or pass themselves off as another company, professional, or authority figure. #4 It curbs other unfair behavior by debt collectors. They cannot solicit postdated checks for payment to use as a threat or for the purposes of instituting criminal prosecution, deposit or threaten to deposit a postdated check before your intended payment date, or collect more than you owe on a debt, which may include fees and interest. #5 Debt collectors must validate your debt. Debt collectors must prove that you owe the debt they’re attempting to collect. This starts with the validation letter, if you request one. While these protections are built into the law, they may not come automatically to you. You are not fighting this fight alone! Safe Credit Solutions is here to be on your side. Reach out today and learn more about how we can help you...
read moreHow do Credit Repair Companies Work?
A lot of people in America owe a lot of money. In fact, the number is now over 12 trillion dollars! Over $1 trillion of this is from credit cards alone. Data from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) show a 16% increase in U.S. households carrying credit card debt this year. The push to collect on these debts has reached fever pitch, and this has spurred the creation of many companies within the industry. Some are collections agencies, working with creditors to collect the money owed to them. Others are credit repair companies, working with the debtors to improve their credit score. There is a third group as well, which are credit counseling agencies. You owe it to yourself to understand how this industry works. Many consumers have errors on their credit report that could lead to trouble. Credit repair companies do a number of things for you, including reviewing your credit report and disputing negative items on your behalf. These errors can be identified and addressed through an established credit repair process. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers the right to dispute inaccurate information and get any wrong information removed or corrected. Credit bureaus have 30 days to respond to disputes with a completed investigation, according to the FCRA. It is important to note, though, that this service is not free. You see, a credit repair company and a credit counseling agency are not the same thing. While a credit repair company charges you money for their services, we do not. This is because we are a nonprofit organization focused on educating you and protecting you. We take a big-picture approach to your overall financial health. Our credit counselors will perform a free audit of your finances in order to help guide you toward the best strategy from a list of several options. This education-based approach tends to be more successful at getting people like you out of debt and helping them stay there. Debt drags down your budget and it can stop you from achieving your goals. There are thousands of professional credit repair approaches that can help you to get out of financial obligations, and you should consider all of your options before opting for the best course for you. We can work with you to develop a debt payment plan, consolidate your loans, or even file for bankruptcy. Credit guidance is another choice to help you to get out of debts. Whichever form of credit repair you choose, the main thing is to do it right away. Make today the day you finally take your life back! Poor credit makes it more difficult to buy a car, qualify for a nice place to live, and even get a job. You can have a second chance when you reach out to Safe Credit...
read moreWhen a Debt Collector Calls, How Should You Answer?
If you’re in over your head financially, you’re not alone. Americans now hold over $12.73 trillion dollars in consumer debt, with over $1 trillion of that from credit cards. Are you one of them? The push to collect on debts has reached a fever pitch. This means you’re probably receiving quite a few debt collection phone calls. While you may want to ignore these phone calls, this won’t make your debt go away. Experts recommend you answer when they call and do these three things: #1 Make sure the debt collector and the debt are legitimate. When you answer the phone, ask who you’re talking to, which is the person’s name and the debt collection company. Also ask for the company’s address and phone number and the name of the creditor. Ask the debt collector for the amount owed as well as how you can dispute or verify the debt. If the debt collector won’t or can’t tell you this information the first time you are contacted, ask for the information in writing before you engage with the collection company any further. #2 Identify the debt. If you recognize the debt, now is the time to work with the debt collector and develop a repayment plan. What if you don’t recognize the debt, though? Write and ask for formal written verification of the debt. If you are sure that the debt is not yours, write the debt collector to tell them the debt is not yours and that you do not want to be contacted about it again. #3 Keep all of your written documents. By now you may see there’s a lot of writing going on. This is because over the phone, it’s all too easy for the other person to say “No, that didn’t happen.” In order for your requests to be legally binding by the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act, they need to be in writing. Keep the letters you receive and make copies of the letters you send in case you need to dispute the issue later. It is time you take back control of your life! Are you receiving harassing collection calls? Are you getting multiple calls per day from the same collector? Are collectors filling up your voicemail box? Are they calling all hours of the day? You don’t have to put up with these harassing calls any longer because you can bring in the team at Safe Credit Solution to educate you and fight for you. Make today the day you reach out to Safe Credit Solutions and learn what we can do for you. This won’t add to your debt. This is a FREE service to you! In fact, our services may actually lower your debt! In some cases, you could receive up to $1,000, have your debt absolved, and your name removed from...
read moreWhat Qualifies as Debt Collection Harassment or Abuse?
When it comes to debt collection harassment, we have some good news and some bad news for you. Debt collectors aren’t allowed to do anything and everything in order to attempt to collect from you. There are laws and regulations in place to protect you from abuse. That’s the good news. The bad news is that some less-than-scrupulous debt collectors will break these rules and it’s up to you to not only recognize the abuse but also report it. This leads to one very important question: what qualifies as debt collection harassment or abuse? The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was put in place way back in the 1970’s to protect consumers from unfair and abusive collection tactics. It has been amended many times since then. This act is the main legal safeguard against unreasonable or threatening behaviors from creditors and collection agencies. Debt collections are not allowed to harass, oppress, or abuse you in regards to your debts, nor anyone else that they speak to regarding your debts. What’s the difference between bothering you and abusing you? There are two main things to watch out for. These are: #1 Misrepresentation A debt collector is not allowed to misrepresent themselves or your debts. This first part of the law covers a variety of false, misleading, and deceptive collection practices. If the caller refuses to give their name or identify the company they represent, this is considered misrepresentation. Making false threats against you, claiming to be an attorney or other legal professional, as well as threatening to do things they cannot legally do are all other forms of misrepresentation. #2 Harassment If you feel like you are not being heard or respected when it comes to your debts, you may be facing debt collection harassment. Any type of intimidating threats of violence or other kind of harm, as well as obscene, abusive, or vulgar language are all forms of harassment. In addition, they are not allowed to share your information publicly in order to shame you into paying your debts. They are barred from contacting you in the middle of the night. If you verbally request they stop doing so, they cannot call you at work either. Are you receiving harassing collection calls at your home or in the workplace? Are you getting multiple calls per day from the same collector? Are collectors filling up your voicemail box and calling all hours of the day? You don’t have to put up with these harassing calls, because they may be illegal. Knowing this is only the first part of the fight, though. Reach out to Safe Credit Solutions and learn what we can do for you. This is a FREE service to YOU! In some cases, you could receive up to $1000, have your debt absolved, and your name removed from reporting. Take back control of your...
read moreDoes Using Credit Cards vs. Cash Help My Credit Score?
You’ve had some struggles in the past in regards to your credit. You’re trying to fix your credit score, but it seems like it’s taking so long! Building your credit score is a lot like building a good reputation. It takes years of hard work. If you have a “bad reputation” you have to work even harder to change people’s minds about you. Just the same, working your way out of bad credit into fair and even good credit is going to take patience and consistency. This can be disheartening news if you have a bad credit score and it’s negatively impacting your life. If your credit score is less than favorable, you’re probably looking for ways that you can improve it. You may hear conflicting information in regards to the use of cash or credit to help boost your credit score. Credit cards are what got you in trouble in the first place. Now that you’re finally getting out of debt, it seems like a bad idea to put more purchases on the cards. Safe Credit Solutions is here to set the record straight! What is credit? Your payment history, credit usage, the number of credit accounts, type of accounts, credit age, and credit inquiries all determine your credit score. A complex algorithm is then used to determine your unique credit score, giving you a number anywhere from 300 to 850. If you have a large amount of debt on credit cards, your number goes down. If you make payments on the number every month, it goes up. How much can I put on credit cards? Using credit cards isn’t bad for your credit score. In fact, the opposite is true. Being awarded credit, putting a purchase on a card, and then paying it off actually raises your score. This is only going to raise your score if the third thing is done, each and every month. Too much of a good thing, buying items with your credit card, becomes a bad thing. In general, your lenders and creditors like to see a credit usage less than 30% of your credit limit. This shows responsibility and self-control. Does cash help? Any cash purchases you make don’t affect your credit score. That doesn’t mean it should be avoided. Depending on your personal situation, it might be better to operate with cash. For example, if you have high balances on your cards or your interest rate is really high, it’s better to pay for new items in cash and make monthly credit card payments to get your balances down. This doesn’t directly affect your credit score, but limiting your credit usage and paying your balances down is the key to repairing your credit and raising your credit score. The best way to take control of your credit score is to start good habits today, and by making a commitment to those good habits for years to come. Safe Credit Solutions is here to...
read moreThe Difference Between a Legitimate Debt Collector and Scammers
How to Tell the Difference Between a Legitimate Debt Collector and Scammers The difference between a legitimate debt collector and scammers is getting more and more difficult to pick up on. You get a phone call from an unknown number, and there is a stranger on the other end telling you that you’re in big trouble for a past debt. While some people who have exceptional credit and financial history may be able to blow this off immediately, you’re not so sure. You do owe money. Perhaps this call is real? You don’t want to ignore a true issue, and you certainly wouldn’t want to not show up for a court date. Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is legitimate or trying to scam you. How can you know which phone calls to trust and which are a scam? We’ll help you do just that! These are the warning signs that the person on the other end of the phone is attempting to scam you: #1 They withhold information from you. A real debt collector must tell you the name of the creditor, the amount owed, and that if you dispute the debt the debt collector will have to obtain verification of the debt. If the person on the phone does not provide this information during the initial contact with you, they must send you a written notice within five days of that initial contact. #2 They threaten you with jail time or claim to be a government official. Unlike centuries ago, you can’t be arrested and put in jail for a debt you owe. That is not to say you’re off the hook for legal ramifications. If a debt collector sues you over debt and you fail to show up in court, you will lose by default. If you then defy that court order and still do not pay, they may pursue an arrest warrant against you. #3 You don’t recognize the debt that the person claims you owe money for. When you answer, ask questions to make sure the debt is one that you actually owe. This person is required by law to tell you the name of the creditor and the amount owed. If you don’t think you owe the debt, tell the caller that you will send a written request to the debt collector to receive more information about the debt. You can also dispute the debt in writing.Take back control of your life! For further help with any financial and debt issue, contact the team at Safe Credit Solutions. If these phone calls are real and meet certain criteria, they may be harassing you. We can stop harassing debt phone calls! You don’t have to put up with harassing calls. Some of these calls are illegal. You could receive up to $1,000 and actually have your debt absolved and removed from reporting, in some...
read more5 Things Debt Collectors Can’t Do
What Debt Collectors Can’t Do You owe money. You know this and understand why companies want what is due to them. This is why you are working to pay it back as quickly and completely as you can. The debt collectors certainly are not helping, though! Debt collection harassment and constant reminders doesn’t allow you to earn more money and pay back what you owe any faster. It seems like all they are doing is making it worse. It may be a comfort to you to learn that debt collectors have restrictions on how they can pursue you for payment. If they break the rules, there are consequences. Be sure to keep an eye and ear out for debt collectors doing any of the following: #1 Come to your workplace in person. It’s illegal for a debt collector to come to your workplace in person in order to collect payment. This is because they are prohibited from publicizing your debts. Showing up at your job to collect your debt would certainly be doing that! #2 Call you at work after you’ve asked them to stop. While they can’t come into your workplace in person, they may, however, call you at work. In order to stop these calls, you must ask the debt collector not to contact you at work. They must stop, according to the law. If they don’t, they are breaking the rules. #3 Call you at inconvenient times. This is yet another rule they must follow in regards to how they contact you. Debt collectors can’t call you before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. You can also request that a debt collector stop calling you all together. Your obligation to pay the debt remains, however, even without the phone calls. #4 Harass you in any way. Harassment from a debt collector can come in many forms. This includes repeated calls, threats of violence, publishing information about you, and abusive or obscene language. All of these are illegal under the debt collection practices act. #5 Arrest you for debt. Unlike centuries ago, you can’t be arrested and put in jail for a debt you owe. That is not to say you’re off the hook for legal ramifications. For instance, if a debt collector sues you over debt and you fail to show up in court, you may lose by default and be ordered to pay. If you then defy that court order and still do not pay, they may pursue an arrest warrant against you. The simple way to avoid this is to go to any court hearings scheduled and comply with all rulings. We hope this list helps you find peace of mind. The debt collectors in your life have rules they must follow in order to stay within legal guidelines. If you find they are not, do not delay in reporting them and getting the help you...
read moreExperian Results 2
Are You Facing Challenges For Your Mortgage Payments? Is Your Mortgage Rate Increasing? If yes, then with Loan Modification help here, you can say goodbye to all your worries. What Is A Loan Modification? Loan Modification is a process to streamline the terms of your existing mortgage in order to make your payment convenient within your budget. This is an effectual way to deal with loan default in case of economic crisis or financial doldrums. Since our establishment, we have gained trust and popularity with our commitment for helping our customers. May it be credit report late payment or debt settlement; we are always there with you. With clear approach, knowledge and exuberance in Loan Modification field, we provide you with effective solution that will work best for you. With our dedicated and skilled staff and commitment, we take pride to be one of the most trustworthy companies in the industry. In today’s fast paced world, loan retention and loan mitigation have become buzzwords. Besides these services, we also provide affordable Loan Modification for home owners. A loan modification is the right solution to bring your account current and remove late payments or missed payments that have slowly been adding...
read moreMCM Results
Loan Modification offers quite efficient solutions about your loan payment. In this way, it reduces the increasing pressure of loan repayments. Loan modification is the right solution to all your worries with numerous benefits like Fixes your adjustable rate Lower your interest rate Lower monthly payments Decreases your loan balance Extensions on payments Relinquish negatively accrued interest Why To Go For Loan Modification Service? We are well aware about the hardship that you face while dealing with problems associated with loan payments. This is where we help you out. Lenders never make it easy for any borrower. They always prefer to work for satisfied and favorable loan terms. We can negotiate on your behalf to make the process easy and effective. This will avoid all your stress and worries. Our skilled and experienced experts make the entire process easy for you. This will save your money, time and stress as well. With our customized approach for each individual, we strive hard to provide solution that will work best for you. Thorough analysis and clear understanding will provide you with many options to resolve your financial crisis. So, do not waste your time. We are here to serve you with the best possible solution...
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