Can a debt collector threaten to refer my debt to a collection agency?

In Washington, it is illegal for a debt collector to threaten to refer a debt to a collection agency in order to pressure or intimidate a debtor into making a payment. This is considered debt collection harassment and is against the law. The Washington Collection Agency Act (WACA) prohibits debt collectors from using unfair or harassing practices when attempting to collect a debt from a consumer. This includes making threats to refer a debt to a collection agency or to report the debt to a credit bureau. Additionally, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provides debtors with specific protections from debt collectors. Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is not allowed to threaten to refer a debt to a collection agency. This includes making false or misleading statements about the referral, such as misrepresenting the amount or nature of the debt and threatening to refer the debt even if the debt collector has no intention of doing so. If a debt collector is found to be in violation of these laws, the debtor can take legal action by filing a complaint with the Washington Attorney General’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The debtor may also be eligible for damages in the form of attorney fees or statutory damages. It is important to know your rights when dealing with debt collectors in Washington to ensure that your rights are not being violated.

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Can a debt collector threaten to refer my debt to a collection agency?

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