Collect from the Collectors

Good credit is key in America. There are laws governing how creditors and credit reporting agencies must act in collections and reporting activities. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the credit reporting process. Debt collection agencies and collection attorneys are required to follow the specific guidelines set forth in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Credit reporting agencies and collection people have to follow the law like everyone else. They are not immune.

You can shed your feelings of powerlessness. You can feel protected from embarrassment at work or home. You can even pick up your telephone again. They may act like loan sharks but they are not, they must follow the laws that protect you. If they do not follow these rules, they are subject to lawsuits and must compensate you.

Here's a brief checklist to see if your credit consumer rights have been violated:

• Has a collection agency or collection attorney sent multiple letters within a 30 day period. Was each letter more and more demanding and/or threatening?
• Has a collection agency or collection attorney sent letters threatening lawsuits and further legal action without having a legal basis?
• Has a collection agency or collection attorney sent letters with inaccurate debt amounts and/or did not reveal the real creditors name?
• Has a collection agency or collection attorney called you at work and told your employer or colleague about your debts?
• Has a collection agency or collection attorney called and threatened to add outrageous interest and costs if you did not pay?
• Has a collection agency or collection attorney called neighbors and friends to try to convince them to get you to pay?
• Has a collection agency or collection attorney advised you of a lawsuit, when no such lawsuit existed?

The Law Office of John C. Kim, P.C. can provide credit consumers with the information necessary to arm yourself against unethical creditors. Acts of collection harassment, credit mis-reporting, and other negligent or deceptive creditor practices are actionable in court. Through our bankruptcy practice you may be able to wipe away your dischargeable consumer debt and fight back against illegal collection practices at the same time. You can get a fresh start with a successful bankruptcy and a jump start by winning a case against harassing collection entities and collecting compensation in accordance with the relevant law.

Be smart. Get the facts. Know the law.