Debt Collection TCPA Settlement
When a person falls behind on their debt payments, creditors may resort to using debt collection agencies to recover the amount owed. However, there are rules and regulations that these collection agencies must abide by, including those outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). If you have been receiving harassing or abusive phone calls from debt collectors, it is important to know your rights and seek a TCPA settlement.
What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)?
The TCPA is a federal law that was enacted in 1991 to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls and automated messages. The law established guidelines for telemarketing practices, including the use of automatic dialers, pre-recorded messages, and unsolicited text messages. It also requires that companies obtain prior express written consent from consumers before contacting them for marketing purposes.
In addition to protecting consumers from telemarketing abuse, the TCPA also applies to debt collection practices. Debt collectors are required to follow strict guidelines when attempting to collect a debt from a consumer. They must:
- Identify themselves and the purpose of their call
- Provide their contact information
- Cease contact if requested to do so
- Not call before 8:00am or after 9:00pm
- Not call repeatedly or continuously with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass
If a debt collector violates any of these guidelines, they may be subject to legal action and a TCPA settlement.
How to File a TCPA Complaint
If you believe that a debt collector has violated the TCPA guidelines, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. The FCC will review your complaint and investigate the matter.
It is important to keep records of all communication with debt collectors, including the date and time of the call, the name of the debt collector, and any information they provide. This will help you provide accurate information when filing a complaint and can be used as evidence in a legal case.
TCPA Settlements
If a debt collector is found to have violated the TCPA guidelines, they may be required to pay a TCPA settlement to the consumer. This settlement may include monetary compensation for damages, as well as an agreement to stop contacting the consumer.
In some cases, TCPA settlements can be quite substantial. In 2017, Santander Bank agreed to pay $10.5 million to settle a TCPA lawsuit for making repeated robocalls to consumers’ cell phones. The bank was accused of violating the TCPA by using an automatic dialer to call consumers without their consent.
How to Protect Yourself from Debt Collection Abuse
If you are struggling to keep up with your debt payments, it is important to know your rights and protect yourself from debt collection abuse. Some steps you can take include:
- Requesting that debt collectors only contact you in writing
- Keeping detailed records of all communication with debt collectors
- Seeking legal representation if you believe your rights have been violated
By knowing your rights and taking action when necessary, you can protect yourself from debt collection abuse and seek a TCPA settlement if necessary.
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