A consumer debt attorney can help clients in a variety of ways by providing legal advice, representation, and assistance in dealing with debt-related issues. Some of the ways a consumer debt attorney can help a client include the following:

Benefits Of Hiring A Consumer Debt Attorney To Settle AMEX Credit Card Debt

  1. Evaluating the client’s financial situation: A consumer debt attorney can help assess the client’s overall financial situation, including reviewing income, expenses, assets, and outstanding debts. This evaluation can help determine the best course of action to address the client’s debt issues.
  2. Negotiating with creditors: A debt attorney can negotiate with creditors on behalf of the client to obtain more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates, reduced payments, or extended payment plans. This can help the client manage their debt more effectively and avoid potential legal actions from creditors.
  3. Stopping harassment from debt collectors: A consumer debt attorney can help clients understand their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and take action against debt collectors who engage in harassment or other illegal practices.
  4. Representing clients in legal proceedings: If a client is sued by a creditor or facing other legal actions related to their debts, a consumer debt attorney can provide representation in court or during settlement negotiations.
  5. Assisting with bankruptcy filings: If a client decides to file for bankruptcy as a last resort, a consumer debt attorney can guide them through the complex process, including determining which type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) is appropriate, preparing the necessary paperwork, and representing the client during court proceedings.
  6. Protecting client’s rights: A consumer debt attorney can ensure that clients are treated fairly by creditors and debt collectors, helping them avoid illegal practices or abuses of power.
  7. Providing education and resources: A debt attorney can provide clients with valuable information about managing their finances, understanding their rights as consumers, and working towards a more stable financial future.

In summary, a consumer debt attorney can help clients navigate the complexities of debt-related issues, protect their rights, and provide legal representation when necessary. This assistance can significantly impact the client’s ability to manage their debts and work towards financial stability.

consumer debt collection

When Is Contact From A Debt Collector Considered Harassment?

Contact from a debt collector can be considered harassment when it violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) – a federal law in the United States that governs the behavior of debt collectors and protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices. Some examples of debt collector behavior that could be considered harassment under the FDCPA include:

  1. Excessive communication: Debt collectors should not contact consumers excessively. They are not allowed to call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (local time for the consumer), or call repeatedly with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass the debtor.
  2. Contact after a request to cease communication: If a debtor has requested in writing that a debt collector cease further communication, the debt collector must comply, except for specific circumstances like notifying the debtor of legal action.
  3. Threats of violence or harm: Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten consumers with physical harm or use any form of violence to pressure them into paying their debts.
  4. Using obscene or profane language: Debt collectors are prohibited from using obscene, profane, or abusive language while attempting to collect a debt.
  5. False or misleading representations: Debt collectors cannot make false or misleading statements about the debt, the legal status of the debt, or their identity or affiliation. They cannot falsely claim to be attorneys, law enforcement officers, or representatives of the government.
  6. Threats of legal action without intent: Debt collectors cannot threaten to take legal action against a debtor, such as filing a lawsuit or garnishing wages, unless they genuinely intend to do so and are legally allowed to take such action.
  7. Discussing the debt with third parties: Debt collectors are generally not allowed to disclose information about the debtor’s debt to anyone other than the debtor, their spouse, or their attorney, except to obtain location information or as required by law. They should not contact friends, family members, or employers about the debt unless they have permission from the debtor.

If you believe a debt collector has engaged in harassing behavior or has violated the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), your state’s attorney general’s office, or consult with a consumer protection attorney for advice and potential legal remedies.

What Is The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is an independent U.S. government agency that was created under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. Its primary mission is to protect consumers in the financial marketplace by ensuring that financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, lenders, and debt collectors, follow federal consumer financial laws.

The CFPB’s responsibilities and activities include:

  1. Enforcing consumer financial protection laws: The CFPB enforces federal consumer financial laws to ensure that financial institutions and service providers adhere to the regulations and treat consumers fairly.
  2. Supervising financial institutions: The CFPB supervises banks, credit unions, and other financial companies, including nonbank financial institutions such as payday lenders, mortgage companies, and debt collectors, to ensure compliance with federal consumer financial laws.
  3. Writing rules and regulations: The CFPB is responsible for creating and implementing new rules and regulations to protect consumers in the financial marketplace. These rules may pertain to credit cards, mortgages, loans, debt collection, and other financial products and services.
  4. Educating consumers: The CFPB offers resources and educational materials to help consumers understand their financial rights, make informed decisions about financial products and services, and navigate the financial marketplace.
  5. Researching consumer financial markets: The CFPB conducts research to understand consumer behavior, monitor trends in financial markets, and identify potential issues that may affect consumers.
  6. Handling consumer complaints: The CFPB provides a platform for consumers to submit complaints about financial products and services. The agency investigates these complaints and works with the involved parties to seek resolution. It also uses complaint data to inform its regulatory and enforcement actions.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency focused on protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. It does this through enforcing laws, supervising financial institutions, writing rules and regulations, educating consumers, conducting research, and addressing consumer complaints.

Looking to settle your debt with American Express? Give us a call today!