St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyers Blog
You should contact a St. Louis bankruptcy attorney right away, because such a lawyer can tell you if the debt collector has been violating your federal rights.
St. Louis collection agencies are subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This is a federal law that tightly regulates what a collector can and can’t do in its attempts to collect on a debt. What we have found is that more often than not, the collection agency flouts the law, and violates consumer rights habitually. The reason why is simple: there is far more profit to be gained in violating the law than in obeying it. If collection agencies actually followed the FDCPA, they would probably not make very much money.
The other reason that collectors do not spend too much time obeying the law is because the penalties are a slap on the wrist. If the court finds that the collector has violated the law, then it has to pay you $1,000. Now that may sound like a lot to you and me. But to a multi-billion dollar, publically traded collection agency, that 1K is a pittance.
To be fair, there are a number of debt collection companies that follow the law, and are very respectful when dealing with people who owe money. Those collectors have very good reputations, and are a model for the rest of the industry. But even these good agencies can sometimes fail to adequately train their employees in the strictures of the FDCPA. As a result, people will get a phone call from a collector who will call them names, issue threats, and even contact your family and friends repeatedly.
But the St. Louis bankruptcy lawyers at The Bankruptcy Company can make sure that you understand your rights under federal law completely. And we can also get rid of your underlying debt as well (like credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, etc). In addition, if a creditor is garnishing your wages, or has frozen your bank account, or is suing you, a St. Louis bankruptcy will end all of it immediately.
We have one location by appointment only: 4625 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO 63108. The initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!