Consumers Can Successfully Sue the People They Owe

Online, March 22, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Bill collectors whose philosophy is "by any means necessary" now face stiff legal penalties, and borrowers can successfully sue these abusive companies.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect a debt. Still, most everyone has either been harassed or knows someone who has been harassed by an abusive debt collector. No matter how much pleading or promising will curb the intrusive, intimidating tactics of the most relentless bill collectors. Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.

According to well-known attorney Kirby Clements Jr, debt collectors must behave within the boundaries of the law, and for instance, cannot contact a person at work after being told not to call. This week on Allwrite Radio, he will explain just how to successfully sue those you owe. The show will air on BlogTalk Radio on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 10 a.m. EST. While Clements has both prosecuted and defended major criminal cases, he says the tactics of some debt collectors can be almost criminal in nature. "Yes, you may owe them money, but no, they can't threaten you to get it."

Clements says that borrowers can get up to $1,000 for statutory damages and no limit for actual damages, including mental pain and suffering and invasion of privacy. People can call in at (347) 539-5403 or simply listen to him discuss this and other consumer debt legal issues. Clements is a regular on "Nancy Grace," in which he offers expert legal strategies for well-known cases. He has also been a guest legal expert on "Court TV" and the "Montel Williams" show.