Global Recovery Solutions, LLC Debt Collection Harassment?
Global Recovery Solutions, LLC Debt Collection Harassment? Debt collection harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) refers to any abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices used by debt collectors to pressure consumers into paying a debt. The FDCPA, a federal law enacted in 1977, was designed to protect consumers from such practices by establishing clear guidelines on how debt collectors can and cannot behave.Who are Global Recovery Solutions, LLC?
According to their website, Global Recovery Solutions LLC (GRS) takes a balanced approach to debt collection by embracing modern technology through its dedicated information system with advanced statistical analysis and state-of-the-art call center, all of which support a dedicated and experienced collection staff. The procedures and information architecture that GSR has designed, built and customized over the last 5 years has increased the production of an otherwise industrious staff and transformed the operation into an unparalleled debt recovery solution among collection agencies. Address: 1956 NE 5th Avenue, Suite 10, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Phone:415-935-1925
Key Examples of Harassment Under the FDCPA
. Repeated or Continuous Phone Calls
- Excessive Contact: Calling repeatedly with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass the consumer is prohibited. While the FDCPA does not define a specific number of calls as harassment, multiple calls within a short period, especially if made at inconvenient times, could be considered harassment.
- Inconvenient Times: Debt collectors cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in the consumer’s local time, unless the consumer agrees to it.
2. Threats of Violence or Harm
- Physical Threats: Threatening the consumer with physical violence or harm is strictly prohibited.
- Other Threats: Any threats to harm the consumer’s reputation, property, or personal relationships can also be considered harassment.
3. Use of Obscene or Profane Language
- Abusive Language: Using obscene, profane, or abusive language during communication with the consumer is considered harassment under the FDCPA.
4. False or Misleading Statements
- Misrepresentation: Debt collectors cannot misrepresent the amount owed, their identity, or the legal status of the debt. This includes falsely claiming to be an attorney or government official, or lying about the consequences of not paying the debt (e.g., falsely stating that non-payment will result in arrest or legal action).
- False Threats: Threatening actions that the debt collector has no intention of taking, such as legal action, wage garnishment, or arrest, without any legal basis for doing so, is a violation of the FDCPA.
5. Public Disclosure of Debt
- Discussing the Debt with Others: A debt collector cannot discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney. This means they cannot tell your friends, family, neighbors, or employer about your debt.
- Shaming or Embarrassing: Publicizing the debt in a way that could shame or embarrass the consumer, such as by sending postcards or publishing the debt in a public forum, is prohibited.
6. Ignoring Cease-and-Desist Requests
- Continued Contact: If a consumer sends a written request to the debt collector to stop contacting them, the debt collector must comply. After receiving such a request, the debt collector can only contact the consumer to confirm that they will stop communications or to inform them of specific legal actions they plan to take.
7. Contacting the Consumer at Work
- Workplace Contact: Debt collectors are not allowed to contact the consumer at their place of employment if they know or should know that the employer prohibits such communication.
8. Failing to Identify Themselves
- Disclosure: Debt collectors must identify themselves during each communication with the consumer and must state that they are attempting to collect a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
9. Collecting Unverified Debts
- Debt Validation: If a consumer disputes the debt or requests verification within 30 days of the initial contact, the debt collector must provide verification of the debt before continuing collection efforts. Failing to do so and continuing to demand payment is considered harassment.
10. False Impersonation or Deceptive Practices
- Impersonating Authorities: Debt collectors cannot pretend to be law enforcement officers, attorneys, or government representatives in an attempt to collect a debt.
- Deceptive Practices: Using any deceptive means to collect a debt or to obtain information about a consumer, such as pretending to be someone else, is prohibited.
11. Unlawful Seizure of Property
- Seizing Property Without Legal Authority: Threatening to seize, repossess, or garnish a consumer’s property or wages without legal authority is considered harassment and is strictly prohibited.
