Boy has this little article coming from Channel 9 WMUR in Concord, N.H. ever created a stir:

http://www.wmur.com/news/19811693/detail.html

It seems that the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act is finally leading state judicial systems, and therefore collectors themselves, to take heed to law when it comes to collecting outstanding debt.

Here at Veracity, we do not condone avoiding your bills. As we’ve always said, the best way of keeping your credit in good standing is to pay all your bills and pay them on time. However, things come up and this is sometimes easier said than done. When, or if, you find yourself on the other side of a collections account, remember that they have rules to follow, too.

In the case of Ms. Rosemary Gilroy in New Hampshire, she was able to sue the collection agency for repeated and harassing phone calls. This is just one of the rights you have that protects you from questionable, abusive, deceptive and unfair collection practices.

There are also laws in place that regulate and prevent the following:

• When, where and how collection agencies acquire personal information, including location or address
• When, where and how they contact the consumer, or anyone associated with the consumer (i.e. friends, family, cosigners)
• Harassment or abuse
• False or misleading representation
• False or misleading paperwork
• Debt validation policies and procedures

You can access the entire act yourself at:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf

The above link is also useful in contacting the necessary people if you feel that the collection agency you’re dealing with has violated any of these policies. Also, you can check the laws of your specific state online, for instance the Colorado Attorney General’s website is located at:

http://www.ago.state.co.us/consumer_protection.cfmMenuPage=True.html

At Veracity, we understand that things don’t always work out the way you want. But even if you’ve found yourself in a financial hole, it’s important that you know you have rights and that you arm yourself with them, so that you may be treated fairly as you attempt to put your credit life back in order. Don’t be bullied by collection agencies; know your consumer rights and use them!

If you have any further questions about your consumer rights, call Veracity at 1.800.518.2194.