can a creditor report a debt to credit when a consumer is represented by an attorney

by Dr. Jack Walsh 10 min read

If you are represented by an attorney, the debt collector must communicate only with your attorney. Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act: Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act is a powerful statute that protects debtors from unfair, abusive, and deceptive conduct from creditors.

No. If the debt collector knows that an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact your attorney and cannot contact you. The CFPB's Debt Collection Rule clarifying certain provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) became effective on November 30, 2021.Oct 24, 2017

Full Answer

Can a debt collector contact a consumer representing a lawyer?

Nov 30, 2021 · Whether or not you have a debt in collection, it’s important to frequently check your credit reports for accuracy. If you think a debt collector has improperly reported a debt to a credit reporting company without meeting their obligations under the FDCPA, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

When does a debt collector report a debt to a credit bureau?

Apr 09, 2022 · Debt collectors can’t harass you or anyone else they contact in an attempt to collect the debt. Involving others. If a consumer is represented by an attorney and that’s been made clear to the debt collector, they can no longer directly contact the consumer and must keep all communications through the attorney.

Can a creditor pull a consumer credit report?

Dec 08, 2015 · Even prior to judgment or litigation, the creditor can pull the debtor’s report, as long as the debt is the result of a credit transaction. Potential liability for noncompliance include actual damages and attorney’s fees, and, if the breach was willful, punitive damages.

What happens after receiving a notice of dispute from a creditor?

If the consumer disputes the debt, the attorney may still take legal action but must cease collection efforts until verification is obtained and mailed to the consumer. A debt collector may report a debt to a credit bureau within the 30-day notice period, before he receives a request for validation or a dispute notice from the consumer.

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When a consumer is represented by an attorney a debt collector?

(6) after the debt collector knows the consumer is represented by an attorney with regard to the subject debt and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney's name and address, not communicate with any person other than that attorney, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of ...

What is the most common violation of the FDCPA?

7 Most Common FDCPA ViolationsContinued attempts to collect debt not owed. ... Illegal or unethical communication tactics. ... Disclosure verification of debt. ... Taking or threatening illegal action. ... False statements or false representation. ... Improper contact or sharing of info. ... Excessive phone calls.Sep 16, 2020

Can a collection agency report to credit bureau without notifying you?

Yes, a debt can technically be sent to collections without any notice. In some cases, you might not realize the debt is in collections until you check your credit report. Sometimes, you might not realize you owe the debt at all.Jan 25, 2022

Can a creditor report a disputed debt?

Can a debt collector report a disputed debt to a credit reporting agency? If you dispute the debt, the debt collector cannot report it to a credit reporting agency unless and until it verifies the debt.

What debt collectors Cannot do?

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.

What is prohibited by the Fdcpa?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is the main federal law that governs debt collection practices. The FDCPA prohibits debt collection companies from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices to collect debts from you.Jan 30, 2017

What is a goodwill deletion?

The goodwill deletion request letter is based on the age-old principle that everyone makes mistakes. It is, simply put, the practice of admitting a mistake to a lender and asking them not to penalize you for it. Obviously, this usually works only with one-time, low-level items like 30-day late payments.Sep 12, 2015

Can I pay the original creditor instead of the collection agency?

Unfortunately, you're still obligated to pay a debt even if the original creditor sells it to a collection agency. As long as you legally consented to repay your loan in the first place, it doesn't matter who owns it. You may be able to pay less than you actually owe, though.Sep 7, 2021

How can I get a collection removed without paying?

There are 3 ways you can remove collections from your credit report without paying. 1) sending a Goodwill letter asking for forgiveness 2) disputing the collections yourself 3) working with a credit repair company like Credit Glory that can dispute it for you.Apr 11, 2022

Can I dispute a collection debt?

If you believe you do not owe the debt or that it's not even your debt, send a written request to the debt collector and ”dispute” the debt. You can also send a written request to the debt collector to receive more information about the debt.Feb 2, 2017

Can I dispute a debt sold to a collection agency?

By law, a consumer must receive written notice (known as a debt validation letter) within five days of the collector's initial attempt to contact you. That notice must include the amount of the debt, the original creditor to whom the debt is owed and a statement of your right to dispute the debt.

What is the statute of limitations on debt?

three to six yearsHow Long Does the Statute of Limitations on Debt Last? The statute of limitations on debt typically falls within three to six years, although some periods are as long as 15 years. This period can vary based on where you live and what type of debt is involved.Feb 4, 2022

What is a consumer in the civil code?

Civil Code Section 1785.3 (b) defines “consumer” as “a natural individual.”. A creditor does not need to be concerned about liability under these statutes when pulling a credit report on a corporation or other business entity.

Can a creditor pull a credit report?

With limited exceptions, both sections allow a creditor to pull a consumer credit report only with either the written authorization of the consumer herself or a court order. The most important exception to this general rule allows a creditor “to use the information in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer on whom ...

When did the FDCPA stop collecting debt?

A provision of the FDCPA, as enacted in 1977 (former section 803 (6) (F)), providing that "debt collector" does not include "any attorney-at-law collecting a debt as an attorney on behalf of and in the name of a client," was repealed by Pub. L. 99-361, which became effective in July 1986.

What is the Federal Trade Commission commentary?

Federal Trade Commission Staff Commentary on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This commentary is the vehicle by which the staff of the Federal Trade Commission publishes its interpretations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). It is a guideline intended to clarify the staff interpretations of the statute, ...

How does the FDCPA protect consumer privacy?

Although the FDCPA generally protects the consumer's privacy by limiting debt collector communications about personal affairs to third parties , it recognizes the need for some third party contact by collectors to seek the whereabouts of the consumer. 2. Identification of debt collector (section 804 (1)).

What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is Title VIII of the Consumer Credit Protection Act, which also includes other federal statutes relating to consumer credit , such as the Truth in Lending Act (Title I), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (Title VI), and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Title VII). Section 802—Findings and Purpose.

What is section 802?

Section 802 recites the congressional findings that serve as the basis for the legislation. Section 803—Definitions. Section 803 (l) defines "Commission" as the Federal Trade Commission. 1. General. The definition includes only the Federal Trade Commission, not necessarily the staff acting on its behalf.

What is implied threat?

1. Implied threat. A debt collector may violate this section by an implied threat of violence. For example, a debt collector may not pressure a consumer with statements such as "We're not playing around here--we can play tough" or "We're going to send somebody to collect for us one way or the other.".

Can I share my PII with my employer?

Yes. No. Additional comment (optional) Please do not share any personally identifiable information (PII), including, but not limited to: your name, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number, account information, or any other information of a sensitive nature.

Can a debt collector contact an attorney?

If the debt collector knows that an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact your attorney and cannot contact you. This is only true if the debt collector knows, or can easily find out, the name and contact information of your attorney.

What is debt collector?

Under the State Act, a debt collector is: any person who by direct or indirect action, conduct or practice enforces or attempts to enforce a debt owed … as a result of a consumer credit transaction. This definition applies equally to: Creditors attempting to collect on debts owed directly to them.

What is the FDCPA?

The FDCPA also forbids any threat of criminal action or harm to the consumer's person, property, or reputation. Debt collectors have even been held liable for the use of ethnic slurs, curse words, insults such as "liar," "deadbeat" and "crook," and for threatening to "ruin" credit ratings.

What is a false name?

Using false names. Pretending to be an attorney, state, local or federal official, law enforcement or court officer. Using forms or documents designed to look like "official" court or government documents if they are not. Pretending to be or affiliated with a credit reporting agency.

What is the law for debt collection in New Hampshire?

Debt collection practices are governed by two laws: New Hampshire's Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Collection Practices Act (RSA 358-C) (State Act) and the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692-1695) (FDCPA). In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has guidelines for the collection industry describing specific acts and practices the FTC considers to be in violation of the FDCPA.

How long does it take for a debt collector to contact you?

In addition, under FDCPA, debt collectors must follow up an initial phone contact with a written communication within 5 days containing the following information: The amount of the debt.

When did bankruptcy go into effect?

Bankruptcy is a remedy open to those with overwhelming debt. Congress revised the federal bankruptcy law, and the new rules went into effect in October 2005. Debtors may no longer have a choice of whether they file a Chapter 7 (straight) or Chapter 13 (wage earner repayment plan) bankruptcy.

Can debt collectors mislead debtors?

A number of misleading or deceptive tactics by debt collectors are expressly prohibited. Debt collector may not mislead debtors about who they are, may not mislead debtors about the debts, may not mislead about what actions they will be taking, or make any false representations in order to obtain information.

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