Consumer Protection
Fair Debt Collection Practice Act Violations
Collection agencies or attorneys that attempt to collect a debt are regulated by Federal Law. Debt collectors: cannot contact third parties and tell them about the consumer’s debt or obligation, leave messages about a consumer’s debt to third parties, contact a person in such a way as to harass that person, contact a person after having instructed the debt collector in writing that the person did not want to be contacted further, call a person at an unusual time or place (generally this means no calls before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.), or threaten to take action that one cannot legally take, such as garnishing wages prior to a law suit being filed and a judgment being taken. Debt collectors who violate this act are subject to a $1,000 fine and are responsible for all attorney fees and costs of a suit against them.
Michigan Consumer Protection Act Violations
There are over 30 separate possible violations of this act. This act was created to protect consumers from unfair, unconscionable and deceptive business practices. Consumers that sue under this act are entitled to a minimum of $250 in damages and can collect all reasonable attorney fees and costs of a suit from the violating business.
Fair Credit Reporting Act Violations
Credit Reporting Agencies make mistakes on consumers’ credit reports. Some are the credit agencies fault or others are the companies that report to the agencies. Public records, such as bankruptcies and judgments can remain on a credit report for ten years but other records are limited to seven. If an individual believes that there is an error on his or her report, that person must first dispute it with the credit bureau. If the credit bureau refuses to remove an erroneous report within 45 days, it and the reporting entity can be sued to remove the erroneous entry, as well as obtain reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
Primarily serving the cities of Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and the counties of Wayne and Washtenaw, although we extend our legal services throughout the State of Michigan.
Call Wolverine Law today at 734.481.8911 or contact us to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
