Debt Collection
Federal and State laws prohibit harassment and abuse in the process of debt collection. However, many individuals and companies violate these laws every day in the process of collecting debts. The United States Congress expressed concern for these types of abuses and stated that "abusive debt collection practices contribute to the number of personal bankruptcies, to marital instability, to the loss of jobs, and to invasions of individual privacy." 15 U.S.C § 1692(a).
Often the consumer being collected on does not even owe the debt being collected. However, even if you are responsible for the debt and for whatever reason you are behind on payments, you still have rights by law that protect you from harrassment in the collection of the debt. Also, the sooner you seek legal help from an experienced attorney, the more likely you will be able to reduce your debt amount, eliminate potential future interest and other charges, and prevent serious negative consequences for your credit.
To learn more about the laws that protect these rights, see the information from the links below:
Idaho Collection Agency Act - This Idaho act governs the practices of debt collection agencies in the State of Idaho and explains what practices are not allowed.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - This Federal act (the FDCPA) governs the practices of debt collection in the country and, like the Idaho act, explains what practices are prohibited nationally.