If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s record incorrectly says you are, a debt collector may be contacting you. This sounds frightening, but it’s important to take action to make the most of your rights and handle the situation correctly.

A debt collector is a professional who regularly collects money owed to others.
If a debt collector is filing a lawsuit against you, you should contact the right New Jersey debt collection lawyer to help you with your case. With 30 years of experience as a New Jersey debt collection lawyer, Mark Catanzaro has the knowledge and legal expertise to represent you.

Partner with an Experienced New Jersey Debt Collection Attorney

Under the Federal Debt Collections Practices Act, there are laws in place that prohibit the debt collector from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices against you to collect that money. Here are some of them:

No Early or Late Calls – A debt collector has to respect your schedule and call you at a reasonable time. They may not call you before 8am or after 9pm unless you request it.
The Debts Must Be Verified – Before a debt collector makes repeated calls, the debt must be verified and sent to you in writing. Once this is done, calls can be renewed.
You Should Receive A Written Notice – Five days after you’ve been contacted, a debt collector must send a written notice stating the amount of money you owe. It must also tell you what to do if you believe you do not owe the money.
A Debt Collector Must Honor Your Request For No Contact – If you send a letter asking for no further contact, the debt collector must abide by your request. Be aware that the debt does not go away, and the debt collector or the original creditor could file a lawsuit against you.
No Verbal Abuse, Dire Threats or Repeated Calls – The debt collector cannot use profane language, threaten to have you arrested or harass you with multiple calls.
The Numbers Must Be True – The debt collector cannot ask for a sum of money larger than what you actually owe.
The Debt Collector Cannot Tell Your Family and Friends About It – He or she can only contact people you know to find out your address, phone number or where you work.

Contact The Most Trusted New Jersey Debt Collection Lawyer

Mark Catanzaro is the debt collection lawyer in New Jersey you want by your side. He has tried over 100 cases to verdict and has many areas of practice besides debt, including federal and state crime, municipal matters and civil matters. Contact him today to schedule an appointment.