What To Do

WHAT CAN A CONSUMER DO ABOUT COLLECTION ABUSE

If you have been the target of an abusive or deceptive debt collector, you should act to protect your rights.

Contact my office for a free consultation. I can often times speak to you on the phone to determine whether I may be able to help you. I will most often set up an appointment to determine whether to go forward with your matter.

Other things a consumer may want to do:

-- Consumers should save every letter, envelope or other document sent to them from anyone trying to collect a debt. Often times, documents a consumer thinks are not important can actually be very important. DON’T THROW ANYTHING AWAY.

-- Consumers should write down notes following any telephone call they have with a debt collector. They should write the date, time, and who they spoke with. Consumers should also write down as much of the conversation as they can remember. Be specific.

-- Consumers should SAVE EVERY VOICE MAIL MESSAGE FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

Recording telephone calls IN NEW YORK.

Recording harassing telephone calls from debt collectors can be a very powerful tool in protecting a consumer’s rights. It is legal within New York State, and is also very easy to do. Telephone recorders are fairly inexpensive and can be obtained at most electronics stores.

New York State law permits a person to record a telephone call as long as one of the persons involved in the conversation consents to the recording. A consumer does not have to tell the debt collector that they are recording the conversation. Be careful however. Before a consumer records a telephone conversation they should first make sure that the debt collector is also located in New York State. Some states require all parties to consent to the tape recording. Consumers that are not sure where the debt collector is located should not record the conversation. Before recording a telephone conversation, a consumer should always seek advice from a competent attorney.


Contact us about your legal matter today!