Abusive Debt Collectors

Abusive debt collectors are like bullies. If you don’t take action, they get worse. If you fight back, they tend to go away. Learn how to fight back using the laws.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) — protecting consumers from abusive debt collectors

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a powerful law that helps protect consumers, including Alabama consumers, from abusive and harassing debt collectors. In this article we’ll take a dive into the following: What is the purpose of the FDCPA What is a “debt collector” under the FDCPA Who is a consumer under the law What debts are covered and not covered under the FDCPA What type of conduct is forbidden Exactly what is a debt collector required to… (Read more)


FAQ About Debt Collector Harassment Which Violates The FDCPA

Is A Debt Collector Harassing You Illegally?  Find Out What Your Rights Are So You Can Take Action Against Abusive Debt Collectors! We realize that dealing with debt collectors can be intimidating.  Not just because abusive collectors are intimidating but also because you may not fully understand your rights and what collectors can, and cannot, do in collecting a debt from you. We have laid out some typical questions that we are asked by Alabama consumers who want to know… (Read more)


Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) — protecting consumers from abusive debt collectors

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a powerful law that helps protect consumers, including Alabama consumers, from abusive and harassing debt collectors. In this article we’ll take a dive into the following: What is the purpose of the FDCPA What is a “debt collector” under the FDCPA Who is a consumer under the law What debts are covered and not covered under the FDCPA What type of conduct is forbidden Exactly what is a debt collector required to… (Read more)


Damages under FDCPA including discussion of emotional distress damages

Damages under FDCPA including discussion of emotional distress damages   Understanding the FDCPA and its Damages There is often confusion about the damages one can receive under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). When you sue an abusive debt collector under the FDCPA, what exactly are you entitled to? Is it less than a thousand dollars, a hundred thousand, or can you get punitive damages? This article aims to clarify these questions and provide a comprehensive understanding of the… (Read more)


Adjudication on the merits means debt collector who sued you cannot credit report on you or continue to collect against you!

So you have been sued by a debt collector (or even an original creditor).  You get the case dismissed with prejudice and then the collector (or creditor) is still collecting against you.  Is this legal or illegal?  What in the world does the expression “adjudication on the merits” mean for you (hint:  its a good thing!). Possibilities when you are sued by a collector in a collection lawsuit Judgment for plaintiff (the one who sued you) Judgment for defendant (you… (Read more)


Mental mindset when a debt collector calls you

Mental mindset when a debt collector calls you Recently, I mentioned having the mindset that a debt collector is knocking on your door.  I wanted to elaborate on this idea some more and give you another way to think about it.  Instead of being scared when the debt collector calls you (which is what they want and expect), turn it into an opportunity.  My phone rings and I answer.  The debt collector confirms who I am, and then says, “This… (Read more)


After you answer a debt collection lawsuit what should your credit report show?

After you answer a debt collection lawsuit what should your credit report show? Once you’ve been sued by a debt buyer such as Midland Funding, Portfolio Recovery, or LVNV, and you’ve filed an answer, what should your credit report show? It’s excellent that you’ve answered the lawsuit. Most people fail to respond, which can be detrimental to you.  So what should the credit report show about this debt buyer? There are a few important things to look for when reviewing… (Read more)


What are debt buyers and what do they have to prove about ownership when they sue me?

What are debt buyers and what do they have to prove about ownership when they sue me? We talk a lot about “debt buyers” in our posts. Since we discuss debt buyers so frequently, I wanted to give you a definition and some examples to help you understand what a debt buyer is.  What are debt buyers? A debt buyer is somebody who claims to buy debt. These are companies like Midland Funding, Midland Credit Management, Portfolio Recovery, and LVNV. … (Read more)