Dealing with Aggressive Debt Collectors? We’ve Got Your Back
You’re here because, you’re being harassed by debt collectors from Bull City Financial. But, take a deep breath, we understand how stressful and overwhelming this situation feels. Our team at Spodek Law Group has successfully helped countless clients put an end to illegal debt collection tactics.We get it, you might be thinking – “It’s just a debt, why do I need a lawyer?” Well, the reality is, debt collectors often cross legal lines through harassment, threats, and deception. And you shouldn’t have to suffer through that alone.So, let’s start from the top. What exactly is Bull City Financial doing that has you searching for relief?
Common Illegal Debt Collection Practices
Debt collectors like Bull City Financial are governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). But, many choose to ignore or bend these rules through tactics like:
-- Incessant calls at all hours, even after you’ve asked them to stop
- Threats of legal action, even when they have no grounds to sue
- Lying about the amount you owe or implications of not paying
- Revealing your debt to others like family, friends or coworkers
- Using profane, abusive or demeaning language
Sound familiar? If so, you could have a solid case against Bull City Financial for FDCPA violations. And we’re here to make them pay.
How We Can Help Put a Stop to the Harassment
As experienced debt collection harassment attorneys, we’ve seen every dirty trick in the book. But, we also know exactly how to fight back using state and federal consumer protection laws.Once you become our client, we immediately send a cease and desist letter to Bull City Financial. This legally prohibits them from contacting you during our representation. Violations can result in huge fines for the collector.From there, we thoroughly review your case details and any evidence of wrongdoing like call recordings. We then take decisive legal action through measures like:
- Demanding Bull City Financial pay you statutory damages for FDCPA violations
- Negotiating to remove negative credit reporting related to the debt
- Suing Bull City Financial in state or federal court to maximize your compensation
Our top priority is making the harassment stop and getting you the justice you deserve. We don’t back down until the debt collector pays up.
Why Choose Spodek Law Group to Fight for You?
Quite simply, our firm doesn’t cut corners. Ever. We take an aggressive, detail-oriented approach to every single case because we understand what’s at stake.Abusive debt collection can inflict serious financial and emotional harm. You could have a wrecked credit score, be subject to illegal wage garnishment, or face immense anxiety and stress.At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned in pursuing maximum compensation for clients like you. Our respected attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience taking on wealthy corporations and debt collectors.We’re not afraid of tough cases – in fact, we relish the opportunity to hold these companies accountable. You deserve honesty and an elite legal team giving your case the white glove treatment.So if Bull City Financial is making your life miserable, let us be the strong voice fighting tirelessly for your rights. You’ve been bullied long enough.
-Understanding Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a powerful federal law that protects consumers like you from abusive debt collection conduct. Here are some key rights it grants:Right to Debt Validation – Debt collectors must provide written validation of the debt they’re trying to collect. This includes the creditor’s name, how much you allegedly owe, and your rights for disputing the debt.Right to Dispute the Debt – You can force the collector to verify the debt is legitimate and that you’re the person who actually owes it. They must cease collection efforts until providing this verification.Right to Prohibit Further Contact – You can send a letter telling the debt collector to stop all further communication with you, aside from letting you know specific intended actions like a lawsuit.Protection from Harassment – The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using harassment tactics like repeated calls, profane language, publishing your debt details publicly, or contacting you at inconvenient times/places.Protection from Deception – Debt collectors cannot lie, misrepresent themselves, threaten illegal actions they can’t take, or provide misleading information about the debt.Knowing these rights is crucial. Because if Bull City Financial has violated any of them, you could be owed substantial financial damages.
Common Questions About Debt Collection Laws
We understand this process can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with debt collection regulations. So, let’s go over some frequently asked questions:Q: Do these laws apply to original creditors or just debt collectors?A: The FDCPA only governs the actions of third-party debt collectors like Bull City Financial. However, original creditors like credit card companies must still follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state debt collection laws.Q: What if I legitimately owe the debt they’re trying to collect?A: You still have rights that debt collectors must follow, regardless of whether the debt is yours. Owing money doesn’t give them free rein to harass or deceive you.Q: How much can I get if I sue a debt collector for FDCPA violations?A: Statutory damages can be up to $1,000 per violation, plus any actual damages you incurred like lost wages, medical bills for emotional distress, costs and attorney fees. Class action suits can yield much higher awards.Q: Do I have to pay to hire your firm?A: No, we work on a contingency basis for debt collection harassment cases. This means you pay us nothing unless we win your case and recover compensation.Q: How long do I have to take legal action?A: The FDCPA has a one-year statute of limitations from the date of the violation. State laws may vary, so it’s best to act quickly before your window closes.
Real Examples of Debt Collection Harassment Cases We’ve Won
At Spodek Law Group, we’ve secured numerous victories holding unscrupulous debt collectors accountable. Here are some real-life examples:$230,000 Award vs National Debt Collection Agency
Our client received incessant calls and voicemails from this agency, sometimes over 20 per day, despite repeated requests to stop contacting him. We successfully argued this outrageous volume of calls amounted to harassment and emotional distress.$127,000 Award vs Regional Collection Firm
In this case, the debt collector repeatedly called our client’s workplace after being told they could only contact her at home. They also falsely threatened legal consequences if she didn’t pay immediately. We won a substantial award for violations like harassment and deception.$67,000 Award vs Local Debt Buyer
This collector purchased an old debt from a creditor and began aggressively pursuing our client for it, despite lacking proper documentation or verification. We proved the debt was no longer enforceable and secured a sizable payout for the illegal collection efforts.As these examples show, we mean business when it comes to taking on debt collectors who flout consumer protection laws. No case is too big or too small.
Steps to Take If You’re Being Harassed by Bull City Financial
If the harassment and intimidation from Bull City Financial has become too much, it’s time to fight back. Here are the steps we recommend:
- Document Everything – Keep a detailed log of all calls, voicemails, letters and other communication from Bull City Financial. Note dates, times, names of representatives, and specifics of what was said.
- Send a Cease and Desist Letter – Mail a letter demanding Bull City Financial stop all further contact with you, as is your right under the FDCPA. Our firm can handle this for you.
- Request Debt Validation – Force Bull City Financial to provide you with written proof that you owe this debt, to whom, and how much. They must do this before continuing collections.
- Consult a Consumer Protection Attorney – Speak to a qualified legal expert like those at Spodek Law Group about your rights and options for holding Bull City Financial accountable.
- Retain Legal Representation – If Bull City Financial persists with illegal conduct, hire an attorney to take decisive action through measures like sending litigation hold notices and filing suit.
- Pursue Compensation – With our team’s help, you can recover damages you’re owed for any FDCPA violations, plus potential punitive damages if the violations were egregious.
The bottom line – you don’t have to tolerate harassment, lies or intimidation from any debt collector. Federal and state laws give you powerful recourse.
-Why Debt Collectors Often Cross the Line
While unethical behavior is never acceptable, there are some reasons why debt collectors frequently employ illegal tactics:Quotas and Commissions – Many collectors have strict payment quotas or work on commission. This incentivizes the use of aggressive, harassing conduct to extract money from consumers.Lack of Oversight – Debt collection agencies are often under-regulated with little oversight of their day-to-day operations and treatment of consumers.Purchasing Uncollectible Debt – Some collectors purchase huge portfolios of old, uncollectible debt for pennies on the dollar. They then use illegal methods to misleadingly pursue payments.Ignorance of Laws – Believe it or not, many debt collectors are simply unaware of or choose to ignore laws like the FDCPA that govern their industry.Assumption of No Consequences – Debt collectors may assume the average consumer won’t understand their rights or have the means to take legal action.No matter the reason, there’s no excuse for violating federal and state debt collection laws through harassment or deception. Our mission is to make these unscrupulous agencies pay a heavy price.
How to Handle Debt Collectors on Your Own
We always recommend speaking to a qualified attorney about debt collection issues. But, if you choose to handle Bull City Financial on your own for now, here are some tips:
- Respond Only to Written Communication – Debt collectors often use calls to harass and make empty threats. Avoid verbal communication and only respond to letters with documentation.
- Send a Debt Validation Letter – As mentioned, you have the right to request validation and proof of any debt they’re trying to collect. This can halt collections until provided.
- Set Firm Boundaries – Explain in writing the specific times, places and means by which you’ll accept communication. Anything else is harassment you can document.
- Don’t Admit to Owing Money – Until you receive validation, don’t admit or give any indication you owe the debt they’re pursuing. This can restart the statute of limitations.
- Record All Calls – If you must take a collector’s call, record it as evidence of any illegal conduct like threats or abuse. But check your state’s laws first.
- Understand Debt Expiration Dates – Most consumer debts are only legally collectible for a limited number of years. Familiarize yourself with your state’s statute of limitations.
- Negotiate Affordable Payments – If you do legitimately owe money, you may be able to settle for a lump sum or work out a payment plan within your means.
- Submit Complaints to Regulators – You can report any illegal debt collection conduct to the FTC, CFPB and your state attorney general’s office.
While self-advocacy is an option, understand that experienced debt collectors will continue pushing ethical boundaries. Having a professional legal advocate is often the best solution.
-Why Debt Lawsuits Are a Serious Threat
One of the biggest debt collection threats is being sued over an unpaid debt. While this may seem like just another intimidation tactic, you need to take this seriously.If you ignore a debt collection lawsuit and the collector obtains a default judgment, they could pursue drastic measures like:
- Garnishing a portion of your wages
- Freezing or levying funds from your bank accounts
- Placing liens on your home, car or other property
- Suspending your driver’s license in some states
And these judgments can remain on your credit report for years, further damaging your financial standing.The good news is, you have rights and defenses against these lawsuits. Debt collectors must properly serve you with a summons and complaint. They must have complete documentation and proof of the debt’s validity.If they’ve violated any debt collection laws or the statute of limitations has expired, you may be able to get the case dismissed or settle for a small fraction of what’s owed.But this requires acting quickly and having skilled legal representation from the start. Our attorneys can guide you every step of the way to fight these lawsuits successfully.