Loker Law

Are Debt Mills Legal in California?

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When you’re in debt, there’s already enough stress associated with increased insurance rates and loan denials. However, when creditors and collection agencies are harassing you, it can only increase anxiety and frustration. If you’ve been harassed by unfair collectors working for debt mills, knowing your rights as a consumer is essential. The following blog explores this practice and discusses how a California debt collection harassment lawyer can help.

What Are Debt Mills?

Understanding debt mills is essential to recognizing whether the creditors are legitimate or not. Debt collection mills are responsible for filing thousands of baseless lawsuits against debtors. Generally, the claims are often against people who have paid off their debts or never had any debt to begin with.

These mills operate under the assumption that the people they are filing lawsuits against won’t know any better, just paying the “debt” they owe without question. Not only is this unfair, but it can also be predatory, especially if the debt does not exist.

Do They Violate the Law?

Generally, a legitimate mill does not violate the law. However, this is only if they go through the right channels and operate under fair practices. If they break the terms set in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, then this becomes illegal. As a consumer, you have rights – even if you are in debt.

While the large majority of these mills do violate the laws, the ones that operate legally will not be much better. The collectors who work for these mills are often impersonal and take on as many files as possible.

However, often the collectors who work for the debt mills that violate the FDCPA engage in deceptive and false means. They will also harass debtors without proof of owned debts, which is required by law.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been the Victim of Unfair Collection Practices?

If you’ve been harassed by debt collectors, reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case is essential. Ensuring you keep all documentation of communication between the mill and yourself is essential, as this can help provide the necessary evidence to hold them accountable for the people they’ve harassed.

Also, if you’ve already paid off the debt, you can contact the initial collector to receive proof of payment. This can help stop harassing phone calls or visits to your home.

At Loker Law, we have the necessary experience to fight predatory debt collection mills on your behalf. We believe collection agencies who engage in unfair practices should be held accountable for the harm they cause. Contact us today to get started and connect with one of our dedicated legal attorneys.

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