Every day, too many consumers in New York and other states are hounded by debt collectors over debts that they don’t actually owe. Even worse, a lot of New Yorkers end up paying these bogus debts just to make the debt collectors go away. However, the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) is in place to protect New York consumers against illegal debt collection. In fact, under the FDCPA, consumers have the right to request validation letters from debt collectors to ensure the accuracy of pursued debts.
If you have any doubts about how important validation letters are to New York consumers confused by debt collector calls, check out this recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) case.
How the FTC Obtained a $4.1 Million Judgment Against an Operation Selling Fake Payday Loan Debts to Debt Collectors
In 2016, the FTC filed a complaint against Joel Jerome Tucker. Operating as SQ Capital LLC, JT Holdings Inc., and HPD LLL, Tucker sold lists of fake payday loan debts to debt collectors. The scary thing is that these lists contained millions of real consumer names and tons of actual personal data. Also, this very real information included Social Security numbers and bank account numbers.
Of course, none of the consumers on Tucker’s lists actually owed payday loan debts, but the debt collectors that purchased the lists didn’t know this. So, these debt collection agents pursued these bogus accounts. And, sadly, some of the pursued consumers paid the fake debts.
Interestingly enough, Joel Tucker used his brother’s name to lend credibility to his scheme. The brother, Scott A. Tucker, is a payday loan vender who once marketed loans under the 500FastCash brand. While doing so, he was charged with an FTC complaint and ordered to pay $1.3. It turns out that the other Tucker was found guilty of deceptive practices in the Southern District of New York.
This case should definitely serve as a cautionary tale for New York consumers who receive surprise calls from debt collectors. Remember that, no matter how aggressive the debt collector gets, you don’t have to pay anything until they provide you with proof that the debt is yours. In fact, if their aggression turns into harassment, this is another type of FDCPA violation. And, not only do you NOT have to take this kind of abuse, but you may have a case against the offending debt collector. If so, you can sue and possibly collect damages.
How New York Consumers Can Obtain Validation Letters from Debt Collectors
Technically, New York debt collectors that contact consumers with phone calls first must send these consumers validation letters within five days. If they fail to do this, you can request a validation letter, and the debt collector is obligated to comply. However, if the collection agency won’t send you written document to verify the debt, call Credit Repair Lawyers of America in New York.
We also encourage New York residents to call our firm if debt collectors yell at, threaten, or mistreat them in any way. When you contact Credit Repair Lawyers of America in New York, an experienced FDCPA attorney will stop the debt collector harassment.
Also, you have nothing to lose because all of our services are FREE to New York clients.
Stop Debt Collector Harassment in New York
Don’t put up with abusive debt collectors. At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we’ve been ending debt collector harassment and cleaning up credit reports for consumers since 2008 for free. How do we do it? All of our fees come from the defendants in settled cases. This is why our clients pay nothing for the work we do.
Let’s start the conversation about what we can do for your credit. Set up your free consultation today by calling Attorney Carl Schwartz at (646) 859-3045 or sending him a message through our contact page.
For more information about Stopping Debt Collector Harassment, please visit https://creditrepairlawyersam.com/new-york/stop-debt-collectors/.
