Debt Collection Attorneys

Although there are federal and state laws in place to protect consumers from creditor harassment and other illegal debt collection practices, debt collectors continue to abuse consumers in an attempt to pressure them into paying debts. These tactics are often intended to scare or intimidate consumers, sometimes with threats of violence or arrest, which is illegal. If you are being harassed by collectors, it is important to know that you have rights! The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits unfair, abusive, and deceptive collection practices.

The experienced debt collection attorneys at Nelson & Nelson in Belleville, Illinois proudly sue collection agencies that violate federal law. If you are in Illinois or Missouri and believe you may have a class action lawsuit against a collection agency, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

FDCPA Violations

What is the FDCPA?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law that regulates collection activities. Debt collectors are restricted from using deceptive or harassing means and methods in the course of collecting a debt for a third party. This includes debt collection agencies seeking payment for credit card debt, medical bills, student loans, mortgages, and more.

FDCPA Violations List

A debt collector could be in violation of the FDCPA and can be sued in court if they engage in any of the following abusive, deceiving, or harassing activities:

Threatening a debtor with violence or harm
Using obscene or profane language
Repeatedly calling a debtor in order to pressure them into paying a debt (consumers may receive multiple calls a day, calls at odd hours, or harassing debt collection calls even after they have asked the collection agency to stop calling)
Lying about the identity of the caller (such as a debt collection agency saying it is an attorney or government representative)
Claiming that legal action will be taken or that the debtor will be arrested
Misrepresenting the amount owed
Trying to pile on and collect illegal interest or fees (in some instances, these debts are time-barred, discharged in bankruptcy, or not owed for other reasons)
Depositing a post-dated check early
Taking property illegally or threatening to do so

Personal Injury

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Class Actions

How Our Debt Collection Lawyers Can Help

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows consumers to sue debt collectors in state or federal court within one year of an FDCPA violation. These lawsuits do not remove responsibility for debts but can help consumers hold debt collectors responsible for breaking the law.

Our attorneys understand the complexities of the FDCPA and know what claims that can be brought under the act. For more than 40 years, we have successfully recovered compensation for consumers in FDCPA violation claims, and we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. A class action FDCPA lawsuit may be able to recover up to $500,000 in damages or 1 percent of the defendant’s net worth (whichever is lower).

Contact Our Illinois and Missouri Debt Collection Attorneys

If you believe a collection agency violated the FDCPA in any of the ways listed above, contact the class action debt collection attorneys at Nelson & Nelson. Our knowledgeable team can help determine if you have a case. We serve clients throughout southern Illinois, St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and beyond! Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.