Countless Americans are overwhelmed by debt and seeking ways to lessen the burden it imposes on their lives. When debt goes to a collections agency, it is not uncommon for creditors to persistently harass debtors to the point of intimidation. Whether you have maxed out your credit cards or are struggling to pay your mortgage, you should know that there are debt relief options available.
Consulting with a legal representative can help you understand your options and see whether Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be right for you. In the meantime, consider the following three signs that you may be experiencing creditor harassment:
1. They call constantly
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act indicates that creditors can only call within certain hours and cannot engage in collection practices at places or times that are inconvenient to debtors. If you have a creditor who is calling you past 9 PM or calling incessantly, this may qualify as harassment, and it may actually be illegal.
2. They are aggressive
It is even worse if you are receiving constant calls and the creditors are none too kind about their collection efforts. Creditors are under no obligation to speak in a pleasant tone, but it can be abrasive nonetheless to receive calls from people who are aggressive and demanding. Sometimes this crosses the line and becomes harassment if creditors are being overly aggressive when contacting you.
3. They make threats
Many creditors resort to scare tactics in an attempt to collect debts. To this end, they might make threats about what will happen if you do not submit a payment immediately or tell you that they will initiate legal action if you do not pay. It is always best to consult with an attorney and explore all your options before believing any of the threats a creditor is making towards you.