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Stop All Creditor Harassment
It doesn't matter how much money you owe. Creditors, lenders, and other debt collectors are not allowed to harass you. They cannot call you at all hours of the night, threaten you and your family, or steal money from you for the debts.
If you think you are experiencing creditor harassment, our Bellevue attorneys are here to help. We'll use the law to get the harassment to stop for good. Then, we'll work with you to rebuild your financial health and get out of debt. Contact our King County law offices now for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
What Does Washington State Law Say About Creditor Harassment?If you're dealing with relentless debt collectors in Bellevue, Washington, don't panic. Washington State law is here to protect you. The Washington Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16.250) sets clear rules for what debt collectors can and can't do. Simply put, they can't harass or intimidate you. The law says they can't:
- Disclose your debt to third parties, except under specific circumstances outlined in RCW 19.16.250(9).
- Contact you or your spouse more than three times a week.
- Communicate with you at your workplace more than once a week.
- Contact you at your home between 9 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. (unless you specifically request otherwise).
- Use offensive or disrespectful language.
- Tell you your credit score will drop if you don't pay the debt.
- Threaten force, violence, or criminal prosecution.
Washington State and Federal laws also protect you against creditor harassment. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1692d, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) states:
"A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt."
If you are subject to such unlawful practices, you have the right to bring a lawsuit against the offending debt collector in court. If successful, King County Courts may award you actual damages, up to $1,000 in statutory damages, and reimbursement for attorney's fees and court costs as outlined in RCW 19.86.090.
Additionally, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, unfair and deceptive acts and practices, including certain debt collection violations, carry civil monetary penalties exceeding $50,000 per violation.
What Are Examples Of Illegal Creditor Harassment In Washington State?Experiencing creditor harassment can be overwhelming, especially when it disrupts your daily life in Bellevue. Here is what constitutes illegal behavior by debt collectors in King County:
- A creditor calls your home in Lake Hills more than three times in one week.
- A collector contacts you repeatedly at your job in Downtown Bellevue.
- A debt collector rings your phone before 7:30 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. while you're at home in Somerset.
- A creditor discusses your debt with neighbors in Crossroads.
- A collector uses threatening or aggressive language when calling your home in Bridle Trails.
- A collector threatens to sue you in your Newport Hills home even though they have no real intention of following through.
- A creditor publishes your name as someone who refuses to pay, embarrassing you in your Woodridge community.
- A collector sends profane or obscene messages to your residence near Bellevue Square, crossing the line.
- A creditor continues calling your home in Wilburton after you've told them in writing to stop, completely ignoring your legal request.
If you're experiencing any of the above issues, reach out now. Our Bellevue debt defense attorneys can stop the harassment.
How To Stop Creditor Harassment In King CountyWhen you hire our Bellevue attorneys, we'll immediately help you take control of the situation. Here's how we can guide you through the process:
- We Talk To Collectors For You: Forget having to answer those frustrating calls. We'll step in and manage communication, ensuring everything stays respectful and lawful. This way, you don't have to deal with debt collectors breaking the rules.
- Check If The Debt Is Even Real: Sometimes, debts are misstated or outright wrong. We'll investigate your case, making sure the numbers add up and that the creditor is actually owed anything.
- Work Out a Reasonable Deal: If the debt's legit, we can help negotiate a payment plan that suits your needs, making sure it's not a deal that leaves you buried.
- Protect Your Rights: You have solid protection under Washington's Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16.250) and the FDCPA. We'll make sure creditors don't cross any legal lines with threats, harassment, or other illegal tactics.
Get started by contacting our Bellevue attorneys today and scheduling your free consultation.
Creditor Harassment FAQs Answered By Our Experienced Bellevue AttorneysQ: Can I sue a debt collector for harassment?
A: Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692k) and Washington's Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86), you can sue for actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000 (federal), and attorney's fees. Washington State law may allow even more if the harassment is deceptive or egregious.
Q: What if I already paid the debt, but they're still calling me?
A: That's a violation of both federal and state law. Collectors must stop once a debt is paid. If they persist, they may be violating 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2)(A) and RCW 19.16.250(11) for deceptive collection practices. We demand proof of payment and go after them for harassment or misrepresentation.
Q: What if the debt isn't mine, but I'm still being harassed?
A: Collectors must verify debts under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b). If you dispute the debt claim within 30 days in writing, they must stop collection until they verify it. Continued harassment over a mistaken debt also violates RCW 19.16.250(21) in Washington State. We handle disputes and force collectors to prove the debt or drop it.
Q: Can I record debt collection calls in Washington?
A: Washington is a two-party consent state under RCW 9.73.030, meaning you must notify the other party you're recording. We guide our clients on what's legal and how to document violations safely without violating privacy laws.
Q: How do I report a debt collector for harassment?
A: You can file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General. You can also file complaints with both the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). However, we usually go a step further and take legal action under 15 U.S.C. § 1692k and RCW 19.86, which allows us to demand monetary damages for the harassment.
Our Bellevue Lawyers Will End The Creditor Harassment For Good
Don't let creditor harassment continue. Contact our Bellevue attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us help you end creditor harassment for good.
