Your Consumer Rights
By Terry Rigg
If you have ever fallen behind on your debts you already know
that dealing with your creditors can be a hassle. Sometimes
it can be downright humiliating. It doesn’t have to be that
way.
With millions of people experiencing financial problems it is
absolutely necessary for everyone to know and understand their
rights as a consumer.
Federal law requires that you receive fair and equal treatment
from businesses issuing credit. This law applies when they
evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment,
and even leases.
The one area where I receive the most complaints are from
individuals that are being harassed by debt collectors. These
complaints range from debt collectors contacting their work and
family members to being called names. All of these are a direct
violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
This article spells out exactly what your rights are as a
consumer.
I have copied some areas of this article directly from the
Federal Trade Commission’s web site to ensure that the
information is explained exactly as the law applies. These
areas are identified.
The FDCPA lists the following guidelines that must be followed
by all debt collectors:
(Copied from the Federal Trade Commission web site)
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~~Debt collectors may contact you only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
~~Debt collectors may not contact you at work if they know your
employer disapproves.
~~Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you.
~~Debt collectors may not lie when collecting debts, such as
falsely implying that you have committed a crime.
~~Debt collectors must identify themselves to you on the phone.
~~Debt collectors must stop contacting you if you ask them to
in writing.
https://youandiaccessories.com/
It also prohibits debt collectors from engaging in unfair,
deceptive, or abusive practices while collecting these debts.
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It is very important to keep a record of any contact you make
with your creditors especially when there is a dispute or
misunderstanding regarding your account. You should list the
name and address of the company, date and time of the call, the
name of the person you spoke with and the content of the call.
I have developed a form that can be used for this purpose.
You can find it at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/ccrs.html
Another important aspect of your consumer rights is Credit
Reporting. Derogatory information in your Credit Report can
have serious consequences. It is ultimately your responsibility
to ensure that the information in your credit report is accurate
and up to date.