412-378-5854

Tag: collections

Harassment Lawyers – What Counts as Debt Collection Harassment?

Posted on by egomez

Federal and state laws that make debt collection harassment illegal are all well and good, but unless you know what counts as “harassment,” it’s hard to know what to look out for.

Both the FDCPA (federal law) and the FCEUA (Pennsylvania law) make it illegal for collectors to engage in “any conduct, the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person,” when collecting a debt.  Basically, collectors can’t harass or abuse you!  This very broad language includes profanity, talking down to you, threatening to tell your neighbors about your money problems, calling your house dozens of times a day, and many other possible scenarios.

Both laws also forbid the use of any “false, deceptive, or misleading representation or means” in connection with the collection of a debt.  In other words, collectors can’t lie to you or mislead you to get you to pay.  Some examples of false or misleading collection tactics include trying to collect more than you actually owe, threatening to have you arrested unless you pay, or pretending to be from the sheriff’s department or another government agency.

If you have experienced a form of harassment discussed above or would like to learn more, contact our harassment lawyers at (412) 378-5854.  In addition to forbidding various types of harassment, the FDCPA and FCEUA also make it illegal for collectors or creditors to contact you  if they know you are represented by a lawyer.

Harassed by Collectors? Take Heart – You Have Rights.

Posted on by egomez

Have you fallen on hard times?  Are you having trouble paying the bills?  Are collectors calling several times a day, and making your life miserable?

If this sounds like your situation, take heart.  A federal law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the “FDCPA”) provides powerful protections to people in just your situation.  In Pennsylvania, a state law called the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (the “FCEUA”) also provides powerful protections to you.  Among other things, these laws make it illegal for bill collectors or creditors to call you at work, call your family members (except to locate you) call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., threaten you, or call you so many times a day that it becomes harassment.

If a collector violates the FDCPA or the FCEUA by harassing you, threatening you, or by some other means, YOU can actually SUE THEM.  If you win, these laws require them to both pay you and your lawyer’s fees!  This is why, if you have a strong case, many lawyers will represent you for no money up front.  These laws are powerful, beneficial tools in the hands of an experienced consumer attorney, who can use them to both protect you and get you some money.

To learn more about the FDCPA and the debt collection industry, check out the link below.  To see whether or not you might have a good case, call the Law Office of Emily Gomez at (412) 378-5854 to schedule an initial consultation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJS9c0jgosQ

Fallen Behind on Your Credit Card?

Posted on by egomez

Having a credit card can be something of a mixed bag. When things are going well, having a credit card can open up new opportunities in life. Because with a credit card, you can build your credit rating making it easier, and cheaper to make big purchases.

However, it’s quite another story when things aren’t going well. There’s nothing worse than seeing those credit card bills coming in day after day and having no way to pay. And if your debt is sold to debt collectors, things can get even worse. Debt collection is stressful at the best of times. But when it comes to unscrupulous debt collectors, you may also find yourself subject to debt harassment!

This can make it seem like you have no options, and the idea of being debt free a far away dream.

Debt Rescue

But it doesn’t have to be this way, so don’t let debt collectors harass or belittle you! The truth of the matter is that Pennsylvania offers many protections to consumers who have fallen behind on their credit card bills. It’s just a case of knowing your rights, getting the right advice, and making the right plans.

This is where we at the Law Office of Emily Gomez can help!

We are experts in debt rescue and recovery. We know how to navigate the often confusion and stressful waters of debt and have done so many times over for many clients. Think your debt is inescapable? We beg differ, and can help you get back on track with repayments and credit repair.

So don’t delay, call us at (412) 378-5854 today! We’re open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday-Friday. Alternatively, you can reach us by email us at esg@egomezlaw.com, and let us help you find your way through.

Looking for more information on Pennsylvania consumer protections and credit card debt? You can read more here.

What our Clients Say

Courteous and Recommended

Emily S. Gomez, Esq. represented us in a Civil Suit by a debt collector. We are not exactly sure how we selected her, but we are glad we did. Ms. Gomez promised to refund her fee if she did not win our case. The case was “dismissed with prejudice,” which means it is gone for good. Ms. Gomez was very courteous and professional as well as sympathetic to our situation. We wholeheartedly recommend her legal services .

Affordable and a Winner

Emily helped me with a case, she was easy and comfortable to talk to. She understood my problem, she was sympathetic and professional. She explained to me all the legal matters that I did not understand and gave me feedback frequently. She gave me possible outcomes and reassured me all the way. The case resolved quickly and at the end of it all she won the case. Her payments were also reasonable and worth every penny !! I would highly recommend her!

Professional and Convenient

Emily Gomez was very helpful, professional, she handled my case and won it without my presence in court. She is very attentive and understanding. She communicates with her clients on timely manner. It was such a pleasure working with her