Are you being harassed by debt collectors from Delanor Kemper & Associates? You’re not alone. This debt collection agency is known for their aggressive tactics and shady practices. But don’t panic – you have rights and there are steps you can take to fight back and beat them at their own game.First, let’s talk about who Delanor Kemper & Associates really is. This debt collection company is based in Rockville, Maryland. They’ve been in business since 2002 and specialize in collecting on defaulted consumer debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans1.Delanor Kemper is a medium-sized agency, with annual revenue around $10 million and about 50 employees1. But don’t let their size fool you – they pack a punch when it comes to harassing consumers.In fact, the Better Business Bureau has received over 30 complaints about Delanor Kemper’s billing and collection practices in just the last 3 years1. As a result, they have an abysmal “F” rating from the BBB. Many victims have been awarded damages of $1,000 or more after suing Delanor Kemper for their illegal debt collection tactics1.So what kind of harassment are we talking about here? Delanor Kemper & Associates has been accused of all sorts of shady practices that violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This includes3:
- Calling consumers at all hours of the day and night
- Using profane and abusive language on the phone
- Making false threats of wage garnishment or legal action
- Discussing debts with unauthorized third parties like family, friends, and employers
- Misrepresenting the amount owed or legal status of debts
- Failing to provide written verification of debts upon request
Any one of these practices is illegal under the FDCPA. And chances are, if Delanor Kemper is calling you, they’ve engaged in at least a few of these prohibited behaviors.But here’s the good news – you can use their own illegal tactics against them. The FDCPA gives you the power to fight back and hold debt collectors accountable when they cross the line. Here’s how:Step 1: Know Your RightsThe first step to defeating Delanor Kemper & Associates is to know your rights under the FDCPA. This federal law protects you from abusive, unfair, and deceptive practices by third-party debt collectors.Some of your key rights include3:
- Debt collectors cannot call you before 8am or after 9pm.
- They cannot harass you with repeated calls.
- They cannot use profane or abusive language.
- They cannot threaten you with legal action they don’t intend to take.
- They cannot discuss your debt with anyone besides you, your spouse, or your attorney.
- They must provide written verification of the debt if you request it within 30 days.
- They must cease communication if you notify them in writing to stop contacting you.
If Delanor Kemper violates any of these rights, they are breaking federal law. Make sure to document any violations, as this will be important evidence if you decide to sue them later on.Step 2: Demand Debt ValidationOne of your most powerful tools against Delanor Kemper is to demand debt validation. Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request written verification of the debt within 30 days of Delanor Kemper’s initial contact.Here’s why this is so important: Delanor Kemper likely bought your debt from the original creditor as part of a large portfolio of delinquent accounts. Debts often change hands multiple times before ending up with a collector like Delanor Kemper1.As a result, Delanor Kemper may not have accurate information about your debt. They may be trying to collect the wrong amount, or a debt that’s not even yours. By requesting validation, you force them to provide proof of what you actually owe.To request validation, send Delanor Kemper a written “debt validation letter” within 30 days of their first contact. In the letter, ask them to provide:
-- The name and address of the original creditor
- The account number associated with the debt
- The amount owed
- Proof that you are responsible for the debt
- Proof that Delanor Kemper is licensed to collect debts in your state
Make sure to send the letter by certified mail so you have proof they received it. Delanor Kemper must then cease collection activity until they provide validation of the debt.If they fail to validate the debt, you’re off the hook. They can’t legally continue to collect from you. And if they do keep trying, you can sue them for violating the FDCPA.Step 3: File ComplaintsIf Delanor Kemper is engaging in illegal harassment, don’t just sit there and take it. Take action by filing complaints against them with the proper authorities. This puts more pressure on them to shape up their act.Some places you can file complaints include:
- Your state’s Attorney General’s office
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
When filing complaints, make sure to include as much detail and evidence as possible. Describe the specific FDCPA violations Delanor Kemper has committed. Provide dates, times, and any other relevant documentation.The more complaints that are filed against Delanor Kemper, the more likely they are to face consequences. In some cases, government agencies may even bring lawsuits or enforcement actions as a result of consumer complaints.Step 4: Hire an FDCPA AttorneyIf you’re feeling overwhelmed by Delanor Kemper’s harassment, it may be time to bring in the big guns. Consider hiring an experienced FDCPA attorney to help you fight back and protect your rights.An FDCPA attorney can help you in several ways:
- Reviewing your case to identify any FDCPA violations
- Advising you on the best course of action
- Representing you in court if you decide to sue
- Negotiating with Delanor Kemper on your behalf
- Helping you recover damages for any harm suffered
Best of all, hiring an FDCPA attorney shouldn’t cost you a dime. If you have a strong case, most consumer law attorneys will take it on contingency. That means they only get paid if they win money for you.And under the FDCPA, Delanor Kemper will have to pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail in court1. So in many cases, it’s a win-win to hire legal representation.Step 5: Sue for FDCPA ViolationsIf Delanor Kemper has violated your rights under the FDCPA, you have the option to sue them in court. This is where you can really hit them where it hurts and make them pay for their illegal practices.Under the FDCPA, you can sue a debt collector for statutory damages up to $1,000, plus any actual damages suffered3. Actual damages can include things like emotional distress, lost wages if you were fired because of their harassment, or medical bills if their actions made you ill.In addition, the FDCPA has a fee-shifting provision that requires the debt collector to pay your attorney’s fees if you win1. So as long as you have a solid case, suing Delanor Kemper shouldn’t cost you anything out of pocket.Many FDCPA cases are settled out of court, as debt collectors would rather pay a settlement than rack up costly legal fees. But if your case does go to trial, the odds are in your favor. According to WebRecon, consumers prevailed in over 80% of FDCPA cases that went to trial in 2020.One key to winning an FDCPA lawsuit is to have strong evidence of the violations. That’s why it’s so important to document everything from the very beginning. Keep detailed records of every communication with Delanor Kemper, including:
- Phone call logs with dates, times, and summaries
- Copies of any letters, emails, or texts
- Names of any representatives you spoke with
- Witness statements from anyone else who overheard the harassment
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. An experienced FDCPA attorney can help you gather the necessary proof to hold Delanor Kemper accountable in court.Real Life ExampleTo see how these strategies can work in practice, let’s look at a real life example of someone who successfully fought back against Delanor Kemper & Associates.John was being hounded by Delanor Kemper for a $5,000 credit card debt. He didn’t recognize the debt and asked Delanor Kemper to validate it. They ignored his request and kept calling him at all hours, threatening legal action if he didn’t pay up.Fed up with the harassment, John hired an FDCPA attorney. The attorney identified multiple violations of the FDCPA and helped John file a lawsuit against Delanor Kemper.In the end, Delanor Kemper agreed to settle the case for $5,000. They also had to pay John’s attorney’s fees, which totaled over $10,000. So not only did John get the debt wiped out, he actually came out ahead financially by standing up for his rights.The Bottom LineDealing with debt collectors like Delanor Kemper & Associates is never fun. But you don’t have to just grin and bear their harassment. You have powerful rights and remedies under the FDCPA.By following the steps outlined above and working with an experienced attorney, you can turn the tables on Delanor Kemper. You can beat them at their own game, hold them accountable for their actions, and even come out ahead financially.So if Delanor Kemper is harassing you, don’t despair. Assert your rights, gather your evidence, and fight back. With the law on your side, you have more power than you realize.Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. There are experienced consumer attorneys who can help you every step of the way. Most provide free consultations and work on contingency, so there’s no risk to reaching out and learning about your options.
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