Virginia Creditor Harassment Attorneys

What Are My Rights Under the FDCPA?

The FDCPA sets strict rules on how and when collectors can contact you and prohibits them from using harassment, profanity, or deceptive tactics. Some important legal protections under the FDCPA include: 

• No harassment or abuse. Collectors cannot threaten, insult, or repeatedly call to annoy you.
• No false statements. They cannot misrepresent the amount you owe or pretend to be government officials.
• Limited contact. Collectors cannot call between 9 PM and 8 AM, and must stop contacting you at work if you ask. 
• Right to written notice. You must receive a written notice with details of the debt and your right to dispute it.
• Right to dispute. You can dispute a debt in writing. Collection must stop until the debt is verified.
• Right to request no further contact. You can send a written request telling collectors to stop contacting you.

How Many Times a Day Can a Debt Collector Call Me? 

It is illegal for a debt collector to repeatedly call with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass you. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), debt collectors are presumed to violate the law if they place calls about a particular debt 1.) more than seven times within seven days or 2.) within seven days after discussing a specific debt over the phone. 

Can a Debt Collector Threaten to Sue Me? 

Yes, but only if they have the legal right and intention to do so. It is illegal for a collector to threaten a lawsuit when they know they cannot or will not actually file one.

What Steps Can I Take to End Creditor Harassment?

Creditor harassment can be overwhelming, but there are ways to stop it. Below are some steps you can take:

• Seek legal counsel. Consulting a creditor harassment attorney is a critical first step to exercising your rights against unfair collector tactics. 
• Document all communications. Keep detailed logs of calls, letters, emails, and other contact from creditors or collection agencies.
• Do not ignore the debt. Ignoring debt can lead to lawsuits. Seeking sound counsel is essential to stop harassment and address the underlying debt. 
• Request verification. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the debt, you can request information about the origin, amount, and terms. 
• File a complaint. Your lawyer can help you file a complaint with the CFPB to create a formal record of the harassment.

I Have Unpaid Medical Bills from Chippenham Hospital. Can Filing for Bankruptcy Stop Collection Calls?

Yes. If you have unpaid medical bills with Chippenham Hospital, filing for bankruptcy will trigger an automatic stay. This legal action halts most actions by creditors to collect debts. At Boleman Law Firm, P.C., we can review your circumstances to determine if bankruptcy is an appropriate solution to eliminate your medical debt. With over 150,000 cases handled, you can trust us to safeguard your financial future at every step. 

What Happens if a Creditor Violates the Automatic Stay?

If a creditor continues to harass you after you file for bankruptcy, this may constitute a violation of the automatic stay. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately after your bankruptcy petition has been filed with the court. 

Some possible consequences for violations include fines, penalties, and court-ordered compensation for damages. Our attorneys can review any communications and file a motion on your behalf to hold creditors accountable.