How to File Complaints Against a Collection Agency

How to File Complaints Against a Collection AgencyHow to File Complaints Against a Collection AgencyDebt collectors play an important role, but its surprising how often they seem to violate individual rights. In some cases, scam artists pretending to be debt collectors make phone calls or send emails demanding money. In other cases, debt collectors may be legitimatebut the debts have already been paid or forgiven. Debt collectors may also harass innocent individuals who are the victim of identity fraud. In many cases, it is appropriate to file a complaint against a real or alleged debt collector who is making your life miserable. How to File Complaints Against a Collection Agency To report an alleged violation of your rights and file a complaint against a debt collector, start by contacting your states attorney general. If your state has its own laws (in addition to federal debt collection laws) governing collection procedures, your attorney generals office will know. You can als o contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint. The FTC does not resolve problems it records complaintsand looks for patterns and trends about a particular business. To file a complaint with the FTC about a debt collectors practices, write to Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) TTY 1-866-653-4261. The FTC.gov website will take you through a multi-step erreichbar process to report the issue. What Kinds of Issues Does the FTC Address? The FTC can provide at least some help and direction for individuals complaining about An original creditor collecting a debtA company other than the original creditor collecting a debtA company offering debt management or credit counselingA company offering to repair your debt If your problem relates to a telemarketer or unwanted direc t marketing by email or text, the FTC will redirect you to the Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov) or ask you to forward the unwanted email to spamuce.gov. If you actually paid an organization to resolve a debt and found that you were scammed, the FTC will ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire and then describe the events in your own words. You will have the option of providing as much or as little personal information as you desire. Its important to know that the FTC will not take action as the police might. They may, however, sue a company that is breaking the law, and you may be able to collect at least some money if the FTC is successful in its suit.