In this podcast, attorney Brian Bromberg talks about the problem of creditor harassment in New York, and what you, as a consumer, can do to stop it. Below you will find the podcast audio and a transcription.
If you are being harassed or abused by a debt collector, call our offices today at 212-248-7906 or fill out the contact form below. We have been defending and fighting for consumers since 1999. We have the knowledge and experience you need to take on your creditors. We offer free consultations, so call today and let us help you fight back against the illegal tactics employed by your creditors.
Audio:
Transcript:
A lot of people wonder “how do I stop a debt collector from harassing me?”
First of all let’s talk about what creditor harassment is. Creditor harassment is not just asking you to pay your bills. Debt collectors are allowed to do that. They are allowed to ask you to pay your bills.
They’re not allowed to robodial your cell phones.
There not allowed to call your neighbors.
They’re not allowed to threaten to call your neighbors.
They’re not allowed to speak with your family members aside from your spouse.
They’re not allowed to threaten to have you imprisoned if you don’t pay your bills.
They can’t call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m
They’re not allowed to contact your employer unless they’ve actually got a judgment.
There’s a lot of things that they’re not allowed to do. So the question is how do you stop a debt collector from harassing you? Every debt collector within five days of their first contact with you, has to send you a letter giving you the right to dispute your debt within 30 days of receiving that letter. So the very first thing you want to do is to dispute that debt. Get a dispute letter out, certified return receipt. Demand proof of the debt. Demand the name and address of the original creditor. Demand letters of assignment of whoever now is trying to collect the debt. Ask for information and dispute the debt. That is your very first step towards stopping the harassment.