If your consumer rights have been violated by a third-party debt collector, you may be entitled to an FDCPA lawsuit. The FDCPA was enacted to protect consumers from unethical and abusive methods of debt collection on behalf of an original lender. What Are Illegal Actions for a Debt Collector to Take? There are many potential violations outlined by the FDCPA. For example, it’s illegal for a third-party debt collector to call you at inconvenient hours. This typically means you cannot be called before 8 AM or after 9 PM in your timezone. Other potential violations include, but are not limited to: Threatening you with a lawsuit the collection agency has no intention of making Notifying uninvolved third parties of your outstanding debt Sending you embarrassing mail or media Not sending you a debt verification letter in the mail What If Your Rights Are Violated? If your rights as a consumer were violated, you may be able to fight back by filing an FDCPA lawsuit. You could be entitled to up to $1,000 in actual damages, plus more if you incurred any suffering or embarrassment from the collection agency. Speaking with an FDCPA attorney is often the best method to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s a little more information on what to do if your rights have been violated: Did a Debt Collector Ask You to Pay More Did a Debt Collector Notify a Third Party Regarding Your Debt? Did a Debt Collector Leave an Embarrassing Voicemail? Did a Debt Collector Threaten to Collect an Already Paid Debt Did a Debt Collector Threaten to Seize Your Property? Did a Debt Collector Threaten to Throw You in Jail? Did a Debt Collector Try to Withdraw From Your Bank Account? Did You Receive a Notice From a Debt Collector? Did a Debt Collector Report You to a Credit Agency? Has a Debt Collector Attempted to Collect an Old Debt Has a Debt Collector Been Calling You at Odd Hours? Has a Debt Collector Been Calling Your Phone Repeatedly? Has a Debt Collector Ignored Your Written Requests to Cease Communication? Has a Debt Collector Threatened You? Has a Debt Collector Sent You Written Material?