Stacks of quarters, calculator, and calendar with debt

Common Mistakes People Make When Dealing With Debt Collectors

Debt collectors can be extremely aggressive when attempting to collect a debt, sometimes even resorting to illegal tactics. Often, aggressive and intimidating behavior by debt collectors leads consumers to make mistakes, including agreeing to pay debts that aren’t owed. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make when dealing with debt collectors. If you are being harassed by debt collectors or are facing a debt collection lawsuit, please contact a California debt collection lawsuit defense attorney for additional information. 

Failing to ask the debt collector to verify the debt.

When a debt collector contacts a consumer about a debt, the consumer has the right to request verification of the debt. Often, debt collectors are unable to provide consumers with this information. A debt collector’s inability to prove that a consumer owes a debt often means that a resulting lawsuit against the consumer will fail.  

Failing to understand the statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations is the time period that a debt collection agency has to sue a consumer for an unpaid debt. If a debt collector files a lawsuit after this time period, the court will throw the case out. However, debt collectors are notorious for threatening lawsuits even after the expiration of the statute of limitations. Therefore, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California debt collection lawsuit attorney upon receiving a notice of any kind from a debt collector to determine whether the statute of limitations has expired.

Providing personal information.

Providing personal information to a debt collector is always a mistake. Debt collectors often attempt to obtain personal information from consumers, such as information about bank accounts, assets, and income. When a consumer shares this type of information with a debt collection agency, it puts the consumer at a great disadvantage.

Admitting liability for the debt.

A consumer who is contacted by a debt collector should never admit liability for a debt. This applies even if the consumer believes that he or she owes the debt. As noted above, debt collectors often lack the documentation needed to succeed in debt collection lawsuits. However, when a consumer admits liability for a debt, this can strengthen the debt collector’s case. 

Contact the Fullman Firm Today

Whether you are receiving debt collection notices or have been sued by a debt collector, you may need an experienced California debt collection lawsuit defense attorney on your side. At the Fullman Firm, we have over 40 years of combined experience protecting the rights of the victims of debt collector harassment, and we take great pride in helping our clients fight back. When we take on your case, our talented attorneys will help explore all available options and work with you to develop the most effective strategy possible for your situation. Please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.