What Creditors Cannot Do

Tampa Residents: Know Your Rights!

Bankruptcy Attorneys Outline What Creditors Cannot Do

When bills are starting to pile up, especially if you have lost your job or you have had some unexpected medical expenses, worrying about debt and what will happen to you and your family are real concerns. Going to the mailbox and answering the phone can become distressing, given the worries about what creditors might say or do on the other end. Our Tampa bankruptcy lawyers work to help you walk away from this anxiety.

Fortunately, there are laws in the state of Florida, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), that protect people in debt from being harassed by bill collectors. Creditors cannot simply do whatever they would like when attempting to collect a debt. At the Debt Relief Legal Group LLC, we can help you assert your rights against creditors who have acted in violation of the law.

Experienced Tampa Debt Collection Harassment Attorneys

Creditors are allowed to pursue debts that are owed to them through judgments, including wage garnishments, along with repossessions and foreclosures. The law says, however, that there are only certain ways that collection activities can occur. Some types of income and property are protected. Creditors cannot take, for example, welfare checks, Social Security checks, unemployment checks, veterans’ checks or court ordered child support. They cannot touch IRAs or 401(K) retirement plans.

Creditors also have limitations on how they can pursue their debts. The Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA) and the FDCPA restrict activities such as when creditors can call, what language creditors can use and what information they are allowed to share with other parties.