How do I determine if a debt collector is in violation of state collection laws?
To determine if a debt collector is in violation of Washington State collection laws, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations as set forth by the Washington Collection Agency Board (CAB). Major violations of the CAB rules can include: harassment, misrepresentation of the debt, and threats of legal action that are not within the CAB’s jurisdiction. Harassment includes contacting you more than three times per day, making contact outside of the CAB’s authorized hours, and using profane or abusive language. You should also be aware that debt collectors are not allowed to threaten legal action or to obtain money without informing you of the legal rights you have as a consumer. You should also review the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to determine if the debt collector is in compliance with the federal laws. The FDCPA includes guidelines regarding the contact and communication the debt collector has with you. This includes notifying you in writing of the debt, not revealing the debt to third parties, and not using deceptive or misleading practices. If you believe that a debt collector is in violation of the laws, contact an attorney who is familiar with collection defense law in Washington State. They can assist you in reviewing the applicable laws and determining if a violation has occurred. You may also file a complaint with the CAB or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC handles complaints and investigations of debt collection practices.
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