What to Do if You're Abused By a Collector

If you're contacted by a debt collector, you have a right to dispute the debt either verbally or in writing.  If you want to preserve some rights under the FDCPA, you must send a written dispute within 30 days of your receipt of the first "validation notice" from the debt collector.  Click here for more details.

Even if you owe the debt, or you cannot pay, you still have rights under the FDCPA.  Most of our clients owe the debt being collected but because of financial circumstances, or a dispute over the goods or services, they cannot pay it.

In order to preserve your rights under the law, it's important for you to keep good records of all of the contacts.

Important Steps You Can Take

  1. Save copies of all letters and notices from collection agencies

  2. Save all phone messages and voice mails- this is very important!

  3. Make note of your conversations with these bill collectors

  4. Call your consumer rights attorney to help you recover your damages

Collection Communications Log

Here's a great way to record all of your collection contacts in one place and in writing.  It's called the Collection Communications Log.  It will standardize, simplify, and legitimize your claims against debt collectors.  Click the appropriate link below to get this handy little form for free!

If you have suffered from any abusive bill collection practices, you may be entitled to compensation.  Please contact our office for more information.

 

   

Click here for FDCPA Boot Camp Brochure

Pete Barry will speak to the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the NCLC FDCPA Conference on March 28, 2008.
 
    Pete Barry will speak to the Volunteer Attorneys Program in Duluth, Minnesota on October 19, 2007, on the topic of abusive collection practices.
     
    Barry Featured on ABC's 20/20 & Nightline
   
   

 

Pete Barry was featured on ABC’s 20/20 and Nightline for a story about abusive debt collection practices. Click here to see the segment in QuickTime format from January 19, 2007. (Watch the whole story here)

     
    Pete Barry will speak at the Minnesota State Bar Association's "Military Legal Assistance Seminar"
on September 11, 2007 in Minneapolis.
     
    Pete Barry will speak July 13, 2007 at the University of Gonzaga Law School in Spokane, Washington.
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