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What Happens If a Debt Collector Lies about the Amount You Owe?

Not all debt collectors are on the up and up, and some turn to deceitful practices in order to generate higher profits. Fortunately, there are strong consumer protections in place that can help you resolve related concerns. If a debt collector lies about the amount you owe, our experienced consumer rights attorneys at The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi are committed to helping you effectively and efficiently resolve the matter.

You Are Protected by the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers like you from unfair debt collection practices, including lying about the amount of debt owed. These protections extend to all the following:

  • Unfair practices generally
  • Improper communication, such as calling outside the allotted hours or continuing to call after being told to stop
  • False representation of the debt amount
  • Using harassment to motivate debtors to pay

If a debt collector is being untruthful regarding the amount of debt you owe, look no further than a reputable consumer rights lawyer.

The Steps on the Path Forward

You can count on your dedicated consumer rights attorney to smoothly guide you through the process of dealing with a debt collector who has falsified information. 

Identifying the Unfair Debt Practice

Falsifying information regarding the amount of a debt owed is a clear violation of FDCPA. As a result, your legal counsel will take the steps necessary to clearly identify this violation. This will likely come down to compiling documentation regarding the debt and your payment history.

Requesting Debt Validation

From here, you’ll likely request debt validation from the debt collector, which will kick off the dispute process. This involves holding them to the legal requirements set forth by FDCPA.

Asserting Your Defense

At this point, your consumer rights lawyer will assert your defense, which is that the debt collector’s assessment of the situation is incorrect. This will be backed up by the documentation compiled.

Negotiating an Advantageous Settlement

If you have remaining debt, and resolving the matter is deemed the best course of action, your attorney will engage in skilled negotiations with the debt collector. This often means resolving the debt for less.

If the debt collector has filed a lawsuit against you, you can rely on your knowledgeable consumer rights lawyer to faithfully represent you throughout the legal process. And if the debt collector simply will not rectify the false claim you’ve identified, the FDCPA allows you to sue for damages. These can include legal fees, statutory damages of up to $1,000, negative financial consequences, and related emotional distress.

Our Experienced Consumer Rights Lawyers Are in Your Corner

Our diligent consumer rights attorneys at The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi appreciate just how harmful false claims regarding debt can be, and we will take the actions necessary to help protect your rights while putting the matter behind you. Learn more by contacting us online or giving us a call at 844-542-7235 today.