Are you being harassed by debt collectors in New York? Our experienced and highly skilled Debt Collection Lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for you in court. Contact Rahman Legal Law offices today.
Debt Collection Lawyer New York: Your Ally Against Unfair Practices
Thousands of New Yorkers find themselves unfairly targeted by debt collector companies every year. They’re often unaware of a missed bill payment until they’re bombarded with threats and harassing phone calls.
In many cases, debts are bought and sold through questionable transactions, leading consumers to owe amounts they’re not even responsible for.
In New York, using harassment and unfair tactics to collect a debt is illegal. No matter how much you owe, you have rights against unscrupulous debt collectors.
As a seasoned Debt Collection Lawyer in New York state and federal courts, our Rahman Legal law firm team is here to guide you through various debt collection matters. We provide an overview of laws that protect consumers, particularly judgment debtors, from unfair and illegal debt collection practices.
Our New York Debt Collection Lawyer Protects You Against Harassment and Unfair Debt Collection
At Rahman Legal, anyone facing unfair debt collection practices deserves strong and competent legal representation. Unlike other law firms, our law firm will fight using our proven track record, process, and approach.
Our law firm is dedicated to our clients and helping individuals throughout New York. If you’re being unfairly targeted or harassed, you can feel confident in choosing a New York consumer lawyer from our legal team to represent you.
Understanding the Main Types of Debt in New York State
The average American has about $90,000 in debt. Every day, hospitals, credit card companies, utility companies, banks, car dealerships, and others sell this debt to third-party collectors at a fraction of the original amount.
Debt collectors then chase consumers for the next payment in full amount and reap significant profits.
Medical Debt
Even a minor illness or injury can cost consumers thousands of dollars in medical debt.
Medical bills are full of unexplained and sometimes invalid charges, and often there is no feasible way for consumers to pay them.
Credit Card Bills
New York is an expensive place to live, and many people here have credit card debt. Missing just a few payments on a credit card can lead to an onslaught of harassing collections calls and letters.
Suppose credit card companies or their debt collection defense and debt collection attorneys, collection agencies, and defense agents are chasing you. In that case, our top debt collection defense and harassment lawyer can help you find a way forward.
Cell Phone Bills
Cell phone companies, like credit card companies and hospitals, frequently sell unpaid debtors off to bill collectors. Debt collectors quickly turn around and hound debtors, threatening to sue and even filing frivolous lawsuits.
Understanding Your Rights
As a consumer, you have rights against debt collectors. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, also known as the FDCPA, is a powerful consumer statute passed by Congress in 1977.
The law prevents debt collection companies, including commercial debt collection companies, from using harassment and deceptive tactics to collect debt.
If you are receiving notices or telephone calls from creditors rights anyone claiming that you owe a debt, the FDCPA provides protections you are entitled.
Has a Debt Collector Violated Your Rights?
Debt collection abuse is a widespread problem. Consumers make hundreds of thousands of complaints against debt collection companies each year. These complaints range from harassment and threats to privacy violations and misrepresenting the amount owed.
Understanding Debt Collection Abuse
Debt collection abuse can take many forms. It might involve repeated and harassing phone calls, threats of legal action that the collector has no intention or ability to carry out, or even attempts to collect debts that have already been paid or discharged in bankruptcy.
Sometimes, debt collectors may misrepresent themselves as law enforcement officers or government officials or disclose information about the debt to third parties without your consent.
Identifying Illegal Debt Collection Practices
Certain practices are considered illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These include:
- Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. without your permission
- Contacting you at work if they know your employer disapproves
- Contacting you after you’ve written a letter requesting them to stop (except to notify you of a specific action)
- Using deceptive methods to collect debts, such as misrepresenting the amount you owe or the legal status of your debt
- Threatening you with arrest or legal action that is not contemplated
What to Do If Your Rights Have Been Violated
If you believe a debt collector has violated your rights, it’s important to take action. Document the abusive behavior, noting the incident’s date, time, and details.
Save any voicemails or letters from the collector. This evidence can be crucial in building your case.
They can help you understand your rights and guide you through filing a complaint or lawsuit against the debt collector. You may be entitled to damages, and the debt collector may be required to pay your attorney’s fees.
Credit Reporting Abuse
Unfair credit reporting can haunt you long past the resolution of outstanding debt. It can jeopardize your ability to obtain a mortgage or car loan or even prevent you from being approved to rent an apartment.
Contact an experienced debt collection lawyer if you think unfair debt collection services or business practices have negatively impacted your credit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Collection
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about debt collection to help you understand your rights and what you can do if debt collectors are harassing you.
1. What should I do if a debt collector contacts me?
If a debt collector contacts you, staying calm and collected is important. Ask for their name, the company they represent, the amount they claim you owe, and the original creditor’s name. You have the right to this information. If you don’t recognize the debt, you can request a validation notice, which is a detailed breakdown of the debt.
2. Can a debt collector call me anytime they want?
No, a debt collector cannot call you anytime they want. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), they can call you at 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you have permitted them to do so.
3. Can a debt collector contact my family or employer?
A debt collector is generally not allowed to discuss your debt with any public member or anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney. They can contact others only to find your address, home phone number, and where you work.
4. What can I do if a debt collector is harassing me?
If a debt collector is harassing you, you can send a cease and desist letter telling them to stop contacting you. Keep a copy of the letter for your records. If the harassment continues, contact a Debt Collection Lawyer in New York for further assistance.
5. What if a debt collector is suing me?
If a debt collector is suing you, it’s important to respond to the lawsuit personally or through your lawyer by the date specified in the court papers. Ignoring the lawsuit won’t make it go away, and it could result in a default judgment against you. A Debt Collection Lawyer in New York can help you understand your options and represent you in court.
6. Can a debt collector garnish my wages or bank account?
In some cases, if a debt collector has obtained a court judgment against you, they may have judgment enforcement and be able to garnish your wages or bank account. However, federal and state laws limit how much can be garnished. A Debt Collection Lawyer in New York can help you understand your rights and options if you face debt collection lawsuits, judgment enforcement, or wage or bank garnishment.
7. What if I can’t afford to pay the debt?
If you can’t afford to pay the debt, it’s still important to communicate with creditors, the debt collector, or your attorney. You can negotiate a payment plan or settlement. In some cases, bankruptcy may be an option.
Why Choose Rahman Legal as Your Debt Collection Lawyer in New York?
When dealing with debt collection harassment, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of the law and can effectively fight for your rights.
We’re committed to providing personalized, effective legal services, litigation, and business solutions to assist our clients’ businesses.
Our Approach to Debt Collection Cases in New York
As an experienced Debt Collection Lawyer in New York, we understand that every case is unique.
We take the time to understand your situation, review all relevant documentation, and develop a strategy tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to assist you in stopping the harassment and help you regain control of your financial situation and assets.
Understanding the Debt Collection Process in New York
The debt collection process can be complex and intimidating. As a seasoned Debt Collection Lawyer in New York, we can help you understand the process and your rights.
Typically, the process begins when a creditor sells your debt to a collection agency, which then attempts to collect the debt from you.
If you fail to pay, the agency may take legal action and file a lawsuit against you. It’s crucial to respond to any lawsuit promptly to protect your rights.
Common Debt Collection Tactics
Debt collectors use a variety of tactics to try to collect debts. These can include frequent phone calls, letters, and even lawsuits.
Some collectors may use deceptive or unfair practices, such as misrepresenting the amount you owe or threatening you with actions they cannot legally take.
How a Debt Collection Lawyer in New York Can Help
A Debt Collection Lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in dealing with debt collectors.
We can review your case, advise you on your rights, negotiate with the collectors on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
New York Debt Collection Laws
New York has several laws that protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices.
These include the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect debts, and the New York City Consumer Protection Law, which provides additional protections for consumers in New York City.
Contact a Debt Collection Harassment Lawyer Today
With more than a decade of legal experience in various practice areas, Hashim Rahman, a native New Yorker and seasoned Debt Collection Lawyer in New York, has the deep consumer protection experience you need when fighting off debt collection harassment.
Rahman Legal will represent clients to the best of our ability and has challenged debt collectors in negotiations and court. We are here to fight for your rights in relentless pursuit of justice for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Let us help with legal issues your debt collection agency and consumer protection law firm or law office needs. Regardless if there are debts owed, promissory notes, wage garnishments, personal injury, security interests, fraudulent conveyances, bankruptcy, litigation, or any other topics that need to be discussed, we are prepared to have those conversations with you.
At Rahman Legal, we understand that debt collection can be stressful and financially draining. We offer flexible fee arrangements to accommodate our clients’ needs. Everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss our fee structure and work with you to find an arrangement that suits your circumstances.
Note: We serve many areas in and around New York City, from issues facing lower Manhattan to the Tribeca neighborhood and other locations. We can help.