What should I do if I’m being hounded by a debt collector?
If you’re being hounded by a debt collector in Pennsylvania, there are several important measures you can take to protect yourself. First, it’s important to make sure the debt collector is a legitimate organization. Only debt collectors who are licensed or registered to do business in Pennsylvania are allowed to collect debt in the state. To check the company’s legitimacy, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities at 1-800-PA-BANKS to ask for a list of licensed debt collectors. Second, be aware of the rules that debt collectors must follow. Under Pennsylvania debt collection law, debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in certain activities like making false or misleading statements, using aggressive or abusive tactics, or calling your home over and over again. If you feel as though the debt collector is in violation of these rules, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. Third, remember that you have the right to dispute the debt. If you believe the debt is not yours, you can dispute the debt with the debt collector. The debt collector is then required by law to provide evidence that the debt is yours. If they cannot provide such evidence, they must stop collection activities and cannot pursue collection proceedings against you. Lastly, it’s important to know that you are protected from unfair collection activities. If you have been harassed or abused by a debt collector, you can seek help from an attorney or the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.
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