There are times when it is hard not to get into debt. Negotiating with the creditor to draw out the debt for a longer period is one tactic often used by a debtor. However, creditors sometimes get impatient and think they can speed up the debt recovery by hiring a debt collector from Municipal Services Bureau to do the job for them.
There is nothing illegal about this, but the debt collector is limited in the ways they are allowed to approach a debtor. It is scary enough to be in debt let alone be harassed by a debt collector.
The U.S. federal government takes matters seriously when it comes to the behavior of a debt collector. Through the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) it regulates what debt collection agencies such as Municipal Services Bureau are allowed to do when approaching a debtor. This relates typically to trying to recoup a debt through repeatedly calling the debtor either on the phone or visiting their home.
What is the FDCPA?
The FDCPA doesn’t have the authority to go as far as canceling a person’s debt but it can prevent debt collectors from repeatedly calling debtors about the debt and putting undue pressure on them to pay up. It also stops a debt collector from taking part in abusive or physical harassment towards the debtor.
If the debt collector fails to act responsibly according to the FDCPA provisions, the debtor may have the right to sue the debt collector, as long as the action takes place within 12 months of the debt collector’s violation.
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What is and What is Not Acceptable Behavior from Municipal Services Bureau
Municipal Services Bureau is a 3rd party debt collection service. It works on behalf of clients who are owed money by debtors. It is paid to negotiate the recovery of the debt but it is not allowed to make contact with a debtor during antisocial hours, which are before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless a prior appointment has been arranged between the two parties.
What to Do if Harassed by Municipal Services Bureau
The first action the debtor should take is to ask the debt collector not to repeatedly call or visit their home in antisocial hours without permission being granted to do so. If the debt collector refuses to honor your request or uses threatening or abusive language, you may have the right to take legal action against the debt collector in question. You have 12 months from the violation to take legal action and you can file a demand for damages and the cost of any legal fees.
How an Attorney can Help
It is possible to sue Municipal Services Bureau on your own but it is far better to use a knowledgeable attorney who will ensure you have sufficient grounds to win a favorable damages settlement. No time will be wasted as the attorney will only work on your behalf if s/he has a high chance of winning a successful claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation today!
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Municipal Services Bureau, or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.
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