Meade & Associates Debt Collector Relief: Your Rights and How to Fight Back
Dealing with Abusive Debt Collectors? We’ve Got Your Back
If you’re being harassed by Meade & Associates or any other debt collection agency, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to take their bullying. As experienced federal lawyers, we’ve seen all the dirty tricks debt collectors use to intimidate people into paying up, even when the debt is bogus or they have no legal right to collect.But we’re here to level the playing field. At Spodek Law Group, we fight to protect consumers’ rights and hit back hard against unscrupulous debt collectors who overstep legal boundaries. So if Meade & Associates is making your life a nightmare with their aggressive tactics, let’s discuss how we can make them pay for violating your consumer rights.
Who is Meade & Associates?
Meade & Associates is a debt collection agency based in Illinois. They’re known for their take-no-prisoners approach, using harassment, threats, and other sketchy practices to squeeze money out of alleged debtors. On consumer complaint forums like Reddit and Quora, you’ll find no shortage of horror stories from people who’ve dealt with their ruthless collection methods.But here’s the thing – debt collectors have to operate within strict federal laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If they cross those lines by harassing you, making false statements, or using other illegal tactics, you can fight back and potentially get compensated.
-Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The FDCPA lays out clear rules debt collectors must follow when trying to collect a debt. Some key prohibited practices include:
- Calling you before 8am or after 9pm
- Contacting you at work if they know your employer doesn’t allow it
- Using profane language or making threats of violence
- Lying about the amount you owe or their authority to take legal action
- Discussing your debt with others besides your spouse
- Continuing to contact you after you’ve sent a written request to stop
If Meade & Associates or any other collector has violated these or other FDCPA provisions, we can help you take legal action and potentially get $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus other compensation.
How We Fight Back Against Abusive Debt Collectors
At Spodek Law Group, we take a multi-pronged approach to combating unscrupulous debt collectors like Meade & Associates:
Cease and Desist Letters – We’ll send a formal letter demanding they immediately stop all abusive contact and collection efforts against you. Ignoring a cease and desist notice is a violation that strengthens your case.
-Debt Validation – We’ll also require Meade to provide full validation and evidence that you actually owe the debt they’re trying to collect. If they can’t validate it, we can get the debt dismissed.
Countersuits and Damages – For FDCPA violations, we’ll file a countersuit against Meade & Associates seeking maximum statutory damages of $1,000 per violation, plus compensation for any actual damages like lost wages, medical bills, etc.
Reporting to Regulators – We report all abusive debt collector behavior to the FTC, CFPB, and other government agencies that oversee the industry and can take action.Our <a href=”https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/10019-ny-todd-spodek-1346981.html”>top-rated debt collection harassment lawyers</a> have gone head-to-head with Meade & Associates and other major debt collectors many times before. We know their playbook inside and out, and we’re not intimidated by their aggressive tactics. If they’ve violated your rights, we’ll make them pay.
Common Illegal Debt Collection Practices to Watch Out For
Debt collectors like Meade & Associates have a million tricks up their sleeve to try scaring you into paying up, even if you don’t actually owe the debt or they have no legal grounds to collect. Here are some of the most common illegal practices to watch out for:
Failing to Validate the Debt – Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must provide written validation of the debt they’re trying to collect if you request it within 30 days. This includes the creditor’s name, amount owed, and other evidence the debt is legitimate. If they can’t validate it, you have grounds to get it dismissed.
-Harassing You at Work – It’s illegal for a debt collector to contact you at work if they know your employer doesn’t allow such calls. They also can’t discuss the debt with your coworkers or make repeated calls that disrupt your workplace.
Using Abusive Language – Debt collectors are prohibited from using profane, obscene, or abusive language when communicating with you. They also can’t make threats of violence, harm, or illegal actions like jail time.
Lying About the Debt – It’s against the law for debt collectors to misrepresent the amount you owe, falsely claim you’ll be arrested or have your wages garnished, or lie about their authority to take legal action.
-Calling at Inconvenient Times – Debt collectors can only call you between 8am and 9pm in your time zone. Calling before or after those hours is considered harassment under the FDCPA.
Discussing Your Debt With Others – Debt collectors are prohibited from discussing your personal debt situation with anyone except you, your spouse, or your attorney. Talking about it with others is an illegal breach of privacy.If Meade & Associates or any other collector has engaged in these or other abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices, we can help you fight back and potentially get compensated through an FDCPA lawsuit.
Defenses Against Debt Collection Lawsuits
Of course, sometimes debt collectors like Meade & Associates will go so far as to actually file a debt collection lawsuit against you in court. While this is a more serious situation, there are still a number of potential defenses we can use to get the case dismissed or the judgment reduced:
Lack of Proper Documentation – Debt collectors have to show a proper chain of documentation and evidence proving you owe the debt. If they can’t produce complete records, we can get the case tossed.
Statute of Limitations – Most states have statutes of limitation that prevent collectors from suing over debts that are too old, usually 4-6 years. We can use this as a defense if the debt is past the statute of limitations.
Mistaken Identity – In some cases, debt collectors mistakenly target the wrong person for a debt they don’t actually owe. We can get the case dismissed by proving you’re not the real debtor.
Bankruptcy Discharge – If the debt was discharged in a previous bankruptcy, it’s no longer legally collectible and we can use that as a defense against the lawsuit.
Unauthorized Interest/Fees – Collectors often try tacking on excessive interest rates and bogus fees to inflate the debt amount. We can challenge those and reduce the judgment.No matter how hopeless your debt collection case may seem, our skilled debt collection lawyers will explore every possible defense strategy to protect your rights and assets. We’re not intimidated by Meade & Associates or any other aggressive collector.
Why Hire Spodek Law Group for Debt Collector Harassment?
So why should you trust Spodek Law Group to handle your case against Meade & Associates or another abusive debt collector? Here are a few key reasons:
Extensive FDCPA Experience – With over 50 years of combined experience, our team has in-depth knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and all related consumer protection laws. We know exactly what debt collectors can and cannot do.
Aggressive Litigation Approach – We don’t just send a letter and hope for the best. Our attorneys take an aggressive litigation approach, filing countersuits and zealously pursuing maximum damages against collectors who violate the law.
National Presence – Although based in New York, we handle debt collection harassment and FDCPA cases nationwide through our offices across the country. No matter where you live, we can represent you.
Proven Track Record – Our firm has secured millions in settlements and courtroom victories for clients harassed by abusive debt collectors. We have a long history of successful results.
Personal Service – You’re not just another case number to us. We treat every client like family, giving your case the personal attention, care and commitment it deserves.If Meade & Associates or any other debt collector has been making your life miserable with their aggressive, illegal tactics, don’t wait – contact us today at 212-210-1851 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain all your rights and options, and fight tirelessly to get the harassment to stop and hold the collectors accountable.