Don’t Feel Bad, Get Mad. Stand Up To Consumer Abuse.

Protecting the rights of consumers in Minnesota and nationwide.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) Was Created To Help You

Are harassing or abusive debt collectors making your life miserable?

Experienced consumer rights attorney Tommy Lyons of the Consumer Justice Center has aggressively and successfully protected the rights of victims of abusive debt collection in federal cases since 1996.

At the CJC, we bring years of experience, proven expertise, innovative services and personal attention to a clientele that is as diverse geographically as it is for consumer law practice areas. Our respected law firm’s outreach encompasses Minnesota, Wisconsin and nationwide.

Contact us. Your initial consultation with CJC is free, which means you owe no attorney fees or costs unless we win your case.

What Is Covered By The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was intended to eliminate illegal debt collection techniques by debt collection agencies and their representatives.

This law governs collections practices such as:

  • Illegally acquiring information
  • Disclosing personal information to third parties such as friends, family or co-workers
  • Disrespect of the consumer
  • Misrepresentation of the debt allegedly owed or what action is being taken

Common Abusive Debt Collection Practices

There are many ways in which the FDCPA can be violated. Common abuses by debt collection agencies include:

  • Collecting for inaccurate amounts – You have 30 days from the time a debt collector originally contacts you to dispute the debt. Once you have requested verification of the debt, the debt collector may not continue to try and collect on the debt until providing you with verification.
  • Telephone harassment – Harassment takes many forms, including calling repeatedly with the intent to annoy a debtor, using abusive or obscene language and calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. §15 USC 1692c and d
  • Making threats – A debt collector is prohibited from threatening to harm you physically. §15 USC 1692d. Debt collectors are also not entitled to threaten to do things that they cannot or will not do. A common threat is to notify your employer or garnish your wages. Please note that under certain circumstances, creditors can pursue garnishments after a judgment is granted by courts, but a debt collector cannot do this if no action is being taken. §15 USC 1692e
  • Calling you at work – Once you have notified a debt collector that you are not allowed to take collection calls at work, the debt collector is prohibited from calling you there. §15 USC 1692c

Minnesota Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) attorney Tommy Lyons of the Consumer Justice Center offers free initial consultations for anyone who suspects that he or she has been targeted for abusive debt collection practices. Contact the CJC toll-free at 612-200-1495 or by email from wherever you are in the Upper Midwest or nationwide. We welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way we can.