A debt collector is harassing me: What should I do?

Harassment by a debt collector can be very inconvenient and psychologically destabilizing. If you’re being harassed by a person or business that wants to collect money you allegedly owe, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This helpful piece of federal legislation protects consumers from unfair harassment.

One of the most important parts of the FDCPA states that you can tell a creditor or collection agency to stop contacting you and the agency must abide by the request. To do this, you’ll need to send a letter in writing to the debt collector and tell them to stop trying to call you. After receipt of this letter, as a matter of law, the debt collector cannot reach out to you unless it’s to communicate a plan to take legal action or to confirm that the attempts to contact you will end.

It’s important to note that — even though you have given written notice to the debt collector — this will not make the alleged debt disappear. If you do owe the money, you will continue to owe it regardless of the circumstances, and the debt collector may choose to file a legal action against you to collect this money. That could result in the garnishment of your wages and other consequences.

If you’re not sure how to respond to a debt collector that’s harassing you and your family, our Vadnais Heights law office can lend a helping hand. We will listen to the details of your debt situation to provide ideas and possible solutions for your best next steps.

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