Debt Collection Rights

Schaumburg Debt Collection Rights Lawyers

Protecting You from Debt Collector Abuse & Harassment

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) dictates how debt collectors are legally allowed to collect a debt from a debtor. If a debt collector violates these rights by using dishonest tactics or abusive conduct, the FDCPA allows the victim to recover up to $1000 in damages in a lawsuit. Debtors who have been harassed and/or abused may also be able to obtain punitive damages and/or compensation for actual injuries under certain circumstances.

If you have experienced debt collection harassment or abusive behavior at the hands of a creditor, you have the legal right to retain an attorney. Debt collectors cannot legally contact you once you have informed them that you have hired a lawyer.

The Schaumburg debt collection rights lawyers at Attorney Joseph P. Doyle have successfully sued dozens of collection agencies to stop abuse and harassment in Illinois. We have stopped harassment and secured monetary rewards for many clients, and we are prepared to do the same for you. Reach out to our firm to learn how we can help.


Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or call (312) 957-8077.


How Does Debt Collection Work?

If you have unpaid debt, creditors are required to send you a written notice of your rights within five days of their first contact. While you can refuse to pay or request that they stop contacting you entirely, they may file a lawsuit against you in an attempt to forcibly collect the debt. They may also report your unpaid debt to the credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). These actions are well within the creditors’ rights.

However, you have the right to ask the debt collector for more information about a particular debt. This is especially crucial if you believe you do not actually owe the creditors anything and they are in the wrong, although it never hurts to verify your debt to ensure you aren’t being wrongfully targeted. Always correspond with debt collectors using mail or fax if possible so you have hard copies of any receipts and documentation that could support your case.

Know Your Rights When It Comes to Debt Collection

Under the FDCPA, you are legally protected from abuse, harassment, and unfair debt collection practices by debt collection agencies and employees—regardless of what you do or do not owe.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are violating the law if they:

  • Are dishonest about the amount you owe
  • Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Claim they are law enforcement and/or have the power to arrest you
  • Contact a third party (family member, neighbor, etc.) to get something other than contact information about you
  • Contact you during your work hours if you have asked them not to
  • Harass or abuse you or anyone close to you regarding your debt
  • Provide false credit information about you
  • Threaten to seize or sell your assets (unless they are allowed to by law)
  • Use an alias or fake company to get in touch

If one or more of these has happened to you, don’t wait to get in touch with the legal team at Attorney Joseph P. Doyle. Our Schaumburg debt collection rights attorneys will ensure you get the representation you deserve.

Contact a Schaumburg Debt Collection Defense Lawyer Today

At Attorney Joseph P. Doyle, we offer free, confidential, and no-obligation legal consultations, so please don’t hesitate to consult with us to learn more about your legal rights and options. A Schaumburg debt collection rights lawyer can help protect your rights and end debt collector abuse for good.


Call (312) 957-8077 or contact us online for a free consultation with an attorney in Schaumburg.


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