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Stop All Creditor Harassment
The harassment always starts with the phone calls.
First, they call at normal hours, but they do so a little too often. Then suddenly, you're getting woken up in the middle of the night. When the calls don't work, they start threatening you with high fees and jail time. Next thing you know, they are calling your work, your family, and even your friends, demanding payment. Sure, you missed a payment or two, but this harassment is not acceptable. It's also not going to make the money you owe appear any quicker.
Did you know creditor harassment is illegal in Washington State? If you are dealing with endless calls and feel like their debt collection practices have crossed the line, contact our law offices in Everett. We'll get the harassment to stop.
What Does Washington State Law Say About Creditor Harassment?Washington State law protects you from aggressive debt collection tactics under the Washington State Collection Agency Act RCW 19.16.250 and the Washington State Consumer Protection Act RCW 19.86.020. Creditors and debt collectors cannot:
- Threaten violence, arrest, or legal action they cannot take.
- Call excessively or use abusive language.
- Misrepresent the amount owed or add illegal fees.
- Contact you at work if your employer prohibits it.
- Continue collection efforts after you request verification of the debt.
Violations of these Washington State laws can result in fines from the Snohomish County courts.
What Does Federal Law Say About Creditor Harassment?Under 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets federal limits on debt collection. Debt collectors cannot:
- Call before 8 AM or after 9 PM without permission.
- Harass, threaten, or use obscene language.
- Misrepresent their identity or falsely claim legal action.
- Contact you after you request they stop in writing.
- Discuss your debt with anyone other than you or your attorney.
Under the federal FDCPA, you can file a claim against harassing creditors and collect financial damages for any harm they cause.
What Are Some Examples Of Illegal Creditor Harassment?In our over 30 years of experience in Everett, our creditor defense attorneys have seen some really crazy examples of credit harassment. If you've experienced these or any similar scenarios, you need to contact us immediately:
- A collector falsely claims the Everett Police Department will arrest you if you don't pay your past-due credit card.
- A collector calls your elderly mother in Washington Oakes and pressures her to pay your debt.
- A debt collector sends a fake "lawsuit" letter threatening immediate court action in Snohomish County Superior Court.
- A debt collector keeps calling your office after you tell them your Everett employer doesn't allow personal calls.
- A collection agency says you owe $10,000 on a "medical bill" from Providence Regional, Evergreen, or a UW Medical Center, but your actual debt is only $4,500.
- A collector yells and calls you a "deadbeat" for missing payments on a car loan from an Everett car dealership.
- A creditor repeatedly calls your Bayside apartment at 11 PM demanding payment.
Don't let the harassment continue. Contact our Everett creditor harassment lawyers now.
What Should I Do If I Am Dealing With Creditor Harassment In Everett?If you are facing non-stop harassment from creditors, here are the steps our Everett-based lawyers will help you take to get it to stop:
- Document Harassment: An Everett attorney who specializes in creditor harassment will help you track calls, letters, and messages, ensuring you have proof of violations under RCW 19.16.250 and 15 U.S.C. § 1692d.
- Request Debt Validation: Within 30 days, your attorney will demand written proof under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g to verify the debt's legitimacy.
- Send A Cease-and-Desist Letter: An attorney-drafted letter under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c forces debt collectors to stop unlawful contact.
- File Complaints: Your attorney can submit formal complaints to the Washington State Attorney General, FTC, or CFPB.
- Assess Bankruptcy Protections: If harassment is severe, your lawyer will evaluate Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 to stop collections.
- Sue For Harassment: If violations continue, your attorney will file a lawsuit under RCW 19.86.020 and/or 15 U.S.C. § 1692k at:
Snohomish County Superior Court
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
With over 30 years of combined experience across Washington State, we've seen all the illegal tactics creditors use to intimidate our Everett neighbors. Our creditor defense attorneys know how to use Washington State and federal laws to get them to stop for good. Contact us now to get started.
Our Snohomish County Attorneys Answer Your Frequently Asked Creditor Harassment QuestionsQ: Can I sue a debt collector for harassment in Snohomish County?
A: Yes, you can sue under the FDCPA and Washington's Consumer Protection Act RCW 19.86.020 for damages, attorney fees, and penalties.
Q: Can I dispute a debt in Washington State?
A: Yes, under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, you can request debt verification in writing, and the collector must provide proof before continuing collection.
Q: What information are debt collectors legally required to tell me in Washington State?
A: Debt collectors must disclose the original creditor's name, the amount you owe, and your right to dispute the debt under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a).
Q: Can a debt collector send me to jail in Washington State for nonpayment?
A: No, failing to pay a debt is not a crime, and threats of arrest violate RCW 19.16.250 and 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(5).
Q: How do I know if a debt collector is legitimate?
A: Legitimate collectors must be licensed in Washington State under RCW 19.16.110 and provide written validation of the debt under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Q: How do I get a debt collector to stop calling me in Everett?
A: Send a written request under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c), and they must stop all contact except for legal notices.
Our Everett Attorneys Stop The Harassment For Good
No matter how many payments you have missed, creditor harassment is illegal in Everett. So, if you are dealing with constant calls, it's time to make a call yourself. Reach out to our Everett-based legal office. Our Snohomish County attorneys are on standby, ready to review your case for free. We'll help you understand your legal options and get these creditors off your case for good!
