Iowa and federal fair debt collection laws prohibit debt collection harassment and abuse.
The United States congress and Iowa legislature have recognized abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices contribute to personal bankruptcy, marital instability, the loss of jobs, and invasion of privacy.
Despite the abuse, most debts being collected by abusive collectors should be a much lower priority for you than paying other bills, such as your house payment, feeding your children or keeping your utilities turned on.
Don't let debt collection abuse determine your family budget!!! There are legal ways to get abusive debt collection stopped.
Ironically, the most abusive debt collectors do not or cannot legally file lawsuits and are frequently collecting debt you have defenses to, such as:
Even if you do owe the debt and are behind on payments for whatever reason, you still have the right to be treated fairly an in accordance with the law. In most cases, the Johnson Law Firm can settle the debt for a reduced amount, lower or eliminate future interest charges and avoid credit damaging judgments. It is very important, however, that the Johnson Law Firm is contacted as soon as possible in the debt collection process. To learn more about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act click the appropriate link below:
Iowa Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) - The Iowa Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted to protect Iowa consumers from abusive debt collection practices. It applies to Iowa collectors that are collecting their own debt as well as third party debt collection agencies.
Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) - The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted to stop the use of abusive and deceptive debt collection practices. The FDCPA applies to third party debt collectors and debt collection agencies; that is, firms collecting debt on behalf of another creditor.
Debt Collection Law Firms that DO file lawsuits in Iowa- This link provides information on debt collection law firms that do file lawsuits in Iowa. If you have been contacted by one of these firms, it should be taken seriously and you should seek qualified legal advice immediately. Do not default on debt collection lawsuits.
Credit Card Collection Issues in Iowa - This link provides information for consumers relating to various credit card collection issues and dealing with credit card debt.
A Debtor's Guide to Unfair Debt Collection Methods - This is a booklet produced by Iowa Legal Aid that provides a detailed explanation of consumer's rights under both Iowa and Federal fair debt collection laws.
If a debt collection lawsuit has been filed against you, your rights have been violated, you want collection harassment to stop or if you just want to discuss your situation, the Johnson Law Firm is here to help. Click the above link for a free consultation or call us at (515) 224-7090. You have nothing to lose.