Dealing with Debt Collectors in Seattle

Posted on July 15, 2021

Debt collectors can be relentless, and they should be; after all, it is their job. They will call you on your phone, text you, and send emails to constantly remind you that your debt has not miraculously disappeared overnight. The good news is, some laws force these debt collectors to stop contacting and harassing you. If you have questions about how they are handling their collections, it is advisable to know that there are certain things they are not allowed to do.

The Laws that Protect Debtors

Several laws protect debtors in Seattle, and there is the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Collection Agency Act (CAA), and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Once a collection agency has contacted you regarding your debt, there are protocols that they must follow. If they contact you by phone rather than in writing, you can insist that you receive a notice instead. This process is vital because a written document will include important information regarding your debt, such as:

The name/address of the collection agency
The name of the creditor
The details of the debt (amount, breakdown, original amount, and interest)
The statement that confirms the debt is valid unless you file a dispute

The information and correspondence between you and the collectors must be clear. These documents can be used in your favor. You will be given ample time to respond to the claims, dispute them, but remember, ignoring the notice may make things worse.

Know your Legal Rights

Collection laws are there to help you, and the best way to start is to get a lawyer to explain your legal rights. Understanding these rights is the first step to dealing with debt collectors. They will also answer questions that you may be asking, such as:

Is it legal that collectors call my residence at 8 pm?
Are they allowed to take all the money from my paycheck?
They have been threatening to have me arrested; is that legal?

The answer to all those questions is no, and if you are not fully aware of the other rights you have, you will remain unaware of the options and rights you have as a taxpayer.

Stop Hiding and Deal with the Debt

Most people find ways to hide from the collectors fearing that the collecting agency will clean out their savings and get money from their social security income benefits and child support. The only way to solve the problem is to start looking for a solution, and that is only possible once you are ready to take responsibility and start paying off your debt.

Consider talking to a lawyer and discuss the best options that will work for you. There are benefits and financial assistance programs that you can look into to help lessen your debt. If you are running a business that has been the reason for all the debt, you may need to file for bankruptcy. In some situations, they may help lessen your dues but filing such claims may also be costly.

If you ever find yourself facing IRS and tax troubles, call 206-970-4-IRS to speak to one of our tax resolution experts. There is no cost or obligation to get in touch with us and your initial phone consultation is absolutely free.