What should I do if a debt collector is threatening to arrest me?

If a debt collector is threatening to arrest you in California, it is important to take immediate action. The first step should be to verify the legitimacy of the collector. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and California Collection Defense Law, it is illegal for debt collectors to make threats of arrest or criminal prosecution. If the collector is not real, then you can report them to the proper authorities. If the debt collector is legitimate, you should contact your local consumer protection agency or the Federal Trade Commission. These agencies can provide advice on your rights and will often intervene to help resolve the situation. You should also consider contacting an attorney. While hiring a lawyer is not necessary in every case, it is a good idea to consider legal advice if a debt collector is making threats of arrest or criminal prosecution. An attorney can help you understand your rights and protect you from further harassment by the debt collector. Finally, be sure to document any communication from the debt collector. This includes written correspondence, emails, and phone calls. This documentation can help support your case if you decide to dispute the debt or take legal action.

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What should I do if a debt collector is threatening to arrest me?

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