One of the most shocking messages you can receive is a notice of debt you are sure you did not rack up. Identity theft can happen to anyone, at any time, and it can be extraordinarily difficult to prove. However, that doesn’t stop debt collectors from harassing you for repayment of this debt that isn’t actually yours. Still, you have options.
Under federal law, you are limited in the amount you have to pay for unauthorized use of your credit card (up to $50, maximum). The federal government also provides a guide for identity theft victims, and there are laws on the books to protect consumers from these kinds of situations.
The best option is to consult with an attorney who has experience in identity theft and debt collection matters. In some cases, the debt collector may owe you compensation for violating laws regarding the proper collection of debt and fair reporting practices. At Sue the Collector, we help people just like you get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Call our office today at (866) 768-6005 to schedule a FREE consultation on your case. You can also click on our contact page and fill out our online form, and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Laws That Protect You from Debt Collectors
Evidence of identity theft can be difficult to come by, but an attorney from Sue the Collector can help you prove your case. Regardless of the evidence that your identity was stolen to rack up debt, there are several laws that are designed to protect consumers from the overreach of unethical debt collection practices.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA lays out acceptable behaviors for debt collectors. Violations of the FDCPA can result in significant compensation for victims, including:
- $1,000 for harassment
- $1,500 for each illegal robocall
The goal of the FDCPA is to protect your rights against harassment behaviors and abuse. For example, debt collectors are only allowed to call you between 8:00 in the morning and 9:00 at night. They are not supposed to use any derogatory, racist, or demeaning language when talking to you. They also are not allowed to lie to you about your debt or threaten you with harm to your person or property.
Even the use of escalation language is restricted by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The debt collector cannot make false claims, such as threatening you with jail time for not paying your debt or threatening legal action if they do not plan to pursue a lawsuit.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act
Another piece of legislation that may prove useful in your identity theft case is the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The law restricts the types of organizations, people, and other entities who have access to your credit score. It also requires the credit reporting agencies to ensure that the information they have on file is accurate.
If you believe that debt (which affects your credit rating) is the result of identity theft, the credit reporting agencies will need to perform an internal investigation into the matter. If they find evidence of fraud or identity theft, they are required to correct the false information.
You Have Options
Identity theft is a terrifying prospect. It hits us at the core of who we are and can threaten our personal, emotional, and financial health. The matter is only made worse when debt collectors refuse to listen to reason and continue to harass you, even to the point of legal action against you to collect the debt you supposedly owe.
You do not have to simply roll with the punches of identity theft. You don’t have to fight the matter by yourself, either. At Sue the Collector, we work to protect and preserve the rights of our clients. With a FREE consultation, you can learn more about how our skilled attorneys can work for you and help you recover stability during this difficult time.
Schedule a FREE Consultation About Your Debt Today
The legal process for identity theft claims can be complex. It’s just as difficult to go up in court against debt collectors. That’s why Sue the Collector exists—to help people like you who, through no fault of their own, are the victims of unfair and unethical debt collection practices.
Schedule a no-cost meeting with a member of our team by filling out the form on our online contact page. You can also call us directly at (866) 768-6005 to speak with a representative.
