Filing for bankruptcy automatically removes a significant portion of your debts in Texas. This means that debt collectors can no longer badger you for payment.
If you continue to receive correspondence requesting payment, you could start to feel frustrated. Knowing how to identify debt collector harassment can help you protect your rights and prevent unnecessary stress.
File a report
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you against unreasonable requests for payment from debt collectors. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, illegal debt collection behaviors include the following:
- Threats of violence
- Repetitious phone calls
- Misrepresentation
- Profanity
If reasonable requests for payment continue after you have reached a bankruptcy settlement, you could still be the victim of harassment. In such cases, you have the right to file a report. You can send your complaint letter to a number of entities including the Federal Trade Commission, your state attorney general’s office and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. You may consider sending a copy of your complaint to all three places to stop harassment as soon as possible.
Maintain thorough records
When preparing to send a complaint letter, keep a copy of your correspondence for your records. If you choose to take legal action, having documentation of your effort to stop the harassment will help you develop a more comprehensive case.
Bankruptcy allows you the opportunity to remove stressful debts and reorganize your finances. You should not have to continue to deal with debt collectors pressing you for payments. Acting in a timely manner when you do identify harassment may help you prevent ongoing problems.
