Debt Collection Regulation

Regulation of Debt Collection Practices in Florida

Numerous misconceptions and myths surround what debt collectors can or cannot do while collecting debts from consumers. At Shrader Law, PLLC, our experienced consumer protection attorneys will shield you from harassment by creditors.

Two major laws regulate debt collection practices in Florida. The FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and FCCPA (Florida’s Consumer Collection Practices Act). Both laws outline the methods and actions that companies can employ to collect a debt.

Illegal Debt Collection Practices in Florida

It is important to understand your consumer protection rights to avoid unlawful harassment by debt collectors and other agencies. If you suspect a violation of your consumer rights, you should contact Shrader Law, PLLC immediately. We will evaluate your case and determine whether to sue the violators. Creditors and debt collectors may violate your rights if they engage in any of the following actions:

• Continuing to contact a debtor after the debtor has told them to stop calling or that the debtor cannot afford to pay.
• Impersonating a representative of the government or a law enforcement officer.
• Using violence, threatening tone, or force if a debt is not paid.
• Giving loan details to the debtor’s employer or threatening to give details to the employer.
• Giving or threatening to give derogatory information to consumer agencies after a debt dispute without informing the agencies that the debt has been disputed.
• Disclosing debt details to third parties.
• Contacting debtors at odd hours like late at night or very early in the morning without the debtor’s consent.
• Harassing or disturbing the debtor’s family members about the outstanding debt.
• Lying to a debtor that they have contacted an attorney or misrepresenting themselves as attorneys to the debtor.
• Making it hard for debtors to defend themselves by filing lawsuits in the wrong jurisdiction.
• Using profanity, abusive, or vulgar language while speaking with debtors.
• Sending debt documents through the mail with embarrassing statements on the envelope.
• Contacting the debtor directly despite knowing that the debtor has legal representation.

If a creditor or debt collection agency has engaged in any of the conducts outlined above, you should immediately contact our Shrader Law, PLLC consumer protection attorneys. Our attorneys understand the law and will defend you against unfair treatment by debt collectors and creditors.

Filing a Consumer Protection Lawsuit

When debt collectors and creditors violate the law, you can file a lawsuit against them with your Shrader Law, PLLC consumer protection attorney. A lawsuit may achieve more than just prohibiting creditors and debt collectors from contacting and harassing you.

After filing a lawsuit, you can receive statutory damages up to $1,000. The judge may also decide to award you punitive damages. You may also be able to recoup court costs and attorney fees after filing a lawsuit.

Contact a Dependable Consumer Protection Attorney

If creditors or debt collectors are harassing you while collecting a debt, there is a way out. We have filed thousands of lawsuits against creditors and debt collectors. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Florida’s consumer protection laws. We will review your case, identify violations, and pursue the responsible creditors or agencies. Contact our competent consumer protection attorneys as soon as possible. You do not have to live with abusive tactics from creditors and debt collection agencies.