What consumer rights do I have when dealing with debt settlement companies?
When dealing with debt settlement companies in Washington, consumers have multiple legal rights. These rights are outlined by the Washington State Consumer Protection Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Consumer Protection Act protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices. It requires debt settlement companies to be upfront and honest about their fees and services, and it requires them to act in good faith and provide clear and accurate information about their services. The Act also prohibits a debt settlement company from engaging in any practices that are false, misleading, or deceptive, such as making false promises about eliminating debt or charging excessive fees. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prevents debt settlement companies from using unfair or abusive practices when collecting a consumer’s debt. This includes prohibiting them from using threats of violence, using obscene or profane language, calling a consumer repeatedly, or misrepresenting the amount, or legal status of a consumer’s debt. Additionally, debt settlement companies must inform consumers of their right to dispute and/or seek validation of any debt prior to making any payment to that creditor. In Washington, consumers have the right to take legal action against any debt settlement company that violates their consumer rights, by filing a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission.
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