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Stop All Creditor Harassment
Debt collectors don't have free rein to threaten, intimidate, or harass you just because you owe money. Washington State and federal laws set strict limits on what creditors can do when trying to collect a debt. Unfortunately, some collectors ignore the law. The Washington Attorney General recently announced they are suing another Renton collection agency for violating notice requirements when collecting medical debt.
Under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and RCW 19.16.250, debt collectors in Washington cannot:
- Call you anytime before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. without your express permission.
- Call you at work if your employer prohibits it.
- Contact your friends, family, or employer to discuss your debt.
- Use threats, lies, or abusive language.
- Continue collection efforts after you formally request validation of the debt.
- Add unauthorized fees or misrepresent the amount you owe.
If a debt collector is violating these laws, you can sue them for damages, report them to the Washington State Attorney General, and even stop them entirely by filing for bankruptcy protection under 11 U.S.C. § 362(a). The automatic stay immediately halts all collection efforts, including calls, letters, lawsuits, and wage garnishments.
You don't have to put up with illegal debt-collection tactics. If you are dealing with creditor harassment in Renton, our experienced bankruptcy attorneys can help you enforce your rights and end harassment. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Is It Illegal For Creditors In Renton To Harass Me?Yes, creditor harassment is illegal under federal law 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p and Washington's Collection Agency Act, RCW 19.16. Creditors cannot threaten you, call excessively, use obscene language, misrepresent debts, or contact you at odd hours. In fact, the Washington Attorney General recently sued a collection agency for violating debt collection laws by failing to provide proper notices to consumers. If a creditor in Renton harasses you, you may be entitled to damages.
How Do I Get Creditors In Renton To Stop Harassing Me?You can take legal action to stop harassment:
- Send a cease-and-desist letter under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c to demand that creditors stop contacting you.
- Request debt validation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g if you suspect errors in the amount or legitimacy of the debt.
- File a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) office for violations.
- Consider bankruptcy's automatic stay protection under 11 U.S.C. § 362, which stops all creditor contact, wage garnishments, and lawsuits.
Yes, our attorneys know how to enforce consumer protection laws and take legal action against abusive creditors. We've helped residents in Talbot Hill, Cascade, and near The Landing shopping center stop collection calls, dismiss illegal lawsuits, and recover damages from creditors who break the law. If you're being harassed over a debt, schedule a free consultation, and we'll discuss your legal options.
Get Answers To Your Top FAQs About Creditor HarassmentQ: Can creditors sue me for unpaid debts?
A: Yes, creditors can sue you to collect unpaid debts. However, the statute of limitations for most debts in Washington State is 6 years (RCW 4.16.040), meaning you can no longer be sued to collect the debt after this period. If a creditor sues you, a bankruptcy filing can eliminate the debt entirely or help you negotiate a manageable repayment plan. We can guide you on the right course of action in the event of a lawsuit.
Q: Can bankruptcy stop creditor harassment?
A: Yes. The automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362) immediately prevents creditors from engaging in any form of collection, including phone calls, letters, and lawsuits. This protection is one of the key reasons why many people facing creditor harassment choose to file for bankruptcy. Once you file, creditors must cease their collection efforts, and we can handle any necessary communications with them on your behalf.
Q: Can creditors call me after I file for bankruptcy?
A: No. Once you file for bankruptcy in Washington State, the automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. § 362, which legally prohibits creditors from contacting you to collect debts. If they continue to harass you, they may be violating federal law. We can help you enforce your rights and take legal action against any creditor who ignores the stay.
Q: What happens if a creditor ignores the automatic stay in bankruptcy?
A: If a creditor continues attempting to collect a debt after you've filed for bankruptcy, they are violating the law. In these cases, you may be able to seek damages for the creditor's misconduct. Our Renton attorneys will take legal action against creditors who disregard the automatic stay to protect your rights.
Q: Can I be sued for debt after filing for bankruptcy?
A: No, if you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay will prevent creditors from suing you for any debts included in your bankruptcy case. However, if a debt is excluded from bankruptcy or is deemed non-dischargeable (like child support or certain tax debts), creditors may still take legal action. We'll help you understand which debts can be discharged and protect you from any further lawsuits.
Q: Will creditors still contact me if I'm working with an attorney?
A: No, once you hire an attorney, creditors are legally required to direct all communications to your lawyer under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If creditors continue contacting you directly after you've engaged legal counsel, they are violating your rights, and we can take legal action to stop their harassment.
Renton's Debt Defense Lawyers End The Madness!
Collection agencies don't have unlimited power. Laws like 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p and Washington's Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16) make it illegal for creditors to harass, threaten, or deceive you. If a debt collector violates these laws, we can fight back. Whether you live near Renton Technical College or in the Cascade area, we'll help you end creditor abuse. Call our Renton lawyers now to take control.
