Recently, Georgians who have been harassed by debt collectors have filed a record number of complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). Even though there are both federal laws and state-specific laws that regulate what debt collectors and collection agencies can and cannot do, some collectors are still using illegal and unscrupulous tactics. Many Georgia consumers complain that they’re harassed about debts that they’ve already paid or – even worse – never even owed at all.
Complaints received by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about debt collection in Georgia reflected a number of abusive practices. If you’re experiencing similar wrongdoings from debt collectors, you should know that your rights are protected. Both the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Georgia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (GFDCPA) are in place to protect Georgia Consumers and make collectors follow the rules.
Cases Where Georgia Debt Collectors have Abused Consumer Rights
In Atlanta, federal authorities apprehended a firm that was using scare tactics to collect debts. Many of the consumers who were threatened by this sleazy debt collector actually owed nothing. This collection agency (which was booted out of New York in 2009) went by several different names including AFS Legal Services, National Payment Processing and National Client Services. They were accused of using nasty language, calling repeatedly and at all hours, and impersonating law enforcement officers.
In Buford, Georgia, Zenith Financial Group was finally shut down and ordered to stay out of the debt collection business for five years. They had been threatening Georgia consumers with arrest and even physical violence if they failed to pay.
Humphries & Associates is a collection agency that operates out of Duluth, Georgia. They have an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau. They threatened consumers with lawsuits that they never intended to file. They also harassed people about debts that were too old to collect. When caught, the company entered an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the State of Georgia. While refusing to admit to any violations, they promised, nevertheless, to comply with the Georgia legal requirements in the future.
The Primary Group, a Roswell, Georgia firm, was sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and eventually shut down. This collection agency, also doing business as Primary Solutions and PSA Investigations, racked up a whole host of violations of Georgia and federal law. Primarily, it was convincing consumers that debt collection lawsuits had been or soon would be filed against them, when that was not the case.
These are just a few examples of law-breaking collection agencies. These operations were actually caught. Just imagine how many companies might be out there, flying under the radar while using illegal tactics to threaten and frighten consumers. Until they are caught, they’ll just keep doing what they’re doing.
This is why it’s important to defend yourself against debt collection agencies that violate the FDCPA and the Georgia FDCPA. Not only can you get them to stop harassing you, if enough people report on them, there’s a chance that they could be shut down for good.
So, what do you do if you’re being harassed by a debt collector who’s gone too far? You get a Free credit lawyer.
End Annoying Debt Collector Calls NOW and at No Cost to You
At Credit Lawyers of America, we’re committed to stopping debt collection agencies that violate the FDCPA. If you’re being threatened, lied to, embarrassed, or called at all hours by a collector, we can help, and it will cost you nothing out of pocket. We collect our fees and costs from the defendants as we are allowed to under the law.
We know that it’s not easy to talk about debt collection, but we’re sympathetic professionals who’ve been in business since 1990. We will listen to what you have to say and tell you your options. Lets get the conversation started. Set up your free consultation today by calling Attorney Gary Nitzkin at (888)293-2882 or emailing him at [email protected]. For more information about who we are and what we do, please visit our website at www.creditrepairlawyersAM.com. 
