How To Beat MCA Management Company If They’re Calling and Harassing Me
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful. If MCA Management Company is contacting you repeatedly to collect a debt, it can feel harassing. However, you have rights under federal and state laws that protect you from certain debt collection practices. This article will overview your rights and provide practical tips to resolve MCA debt issues.
Understanding Your Rights with Debt Collectors
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that prohibits debt collectors from engaging in abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when trying to collect a debt. This law applies to third party collection agencies like MCA Management Company.Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:
-- Call you repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass you. After requesting they stop, if they continue it becomes harassment.
- Use obscene or profane language
- Make threats of violence or harm
- Publish lists of consumers who refuse to pay debts
- Call you without identifying themselves
- Lie about the amount you owe
So if MCA is blowing up your phone nonstop or threatening you, they are violating federal law. You can sue them or file FDCPA complaints to stop the harassment.
Tips to Beat MCA Debt Collectors
Here are some practical tips to make MCA back off if they are harassing you over alleged debts:
1. Send a Cease and Desist Letter
A cease and desist letter formally requests the debt collector to stop communicating with you. Under the FDCPA, if you send this letter they can only contact you once more to confirm they will stop collections. Any further communication would constitute harassment.The letter should be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Include your name, contact info, account details, and explicitly state that you want them to stop calling/writing you. Here’s a cease and desist template to get started.
2. Dispute Debts in Writing
If you don’t believe you owe the debt MCA is contacting you about, dispute it in writing. Debt collectors must provide written verification of the debt like an itemized statement. They cannot continue collections until providing this proof.Clearly state in writing that you dispute owing the debt and require validation. Here’s a sample debt validation letter. If they can’t validate the debt, by law they must stop all collections and remove it from your credit report.
-3. File Complaints with CFPB and State AG
When debt collectors violate laws, file official complaints with regulators:
- CFPB Complaints: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau handles complaints about debt collectors at the federal level.
- State Attorney General Complaints: You can also file complaints with your state AG office about FDCPA or state consumer protection violations.
Regulatory complaints create a paper trail documenting MCA’s illegal behavior. If they face penalties or legal action, complaints help build cases against them.
4. Consult Consumer Protection Attorney
For professional legal help stopping MCA’s harassment, consult consumer protection attorneys. They can advise if you have a case for:
- FDCPA Lawsuits – You can sue for damages if MCA violated FDCPA regulations.
- State Consumer Laws – If MCA’s conduct violated state consumer protection laws, additional legal action may be possible.
Consumer lawyers often work on contingency fees, taking payment only if you win damages. Reputable attorneys offer free case evaluations to examine your options.
5. Setup Call Blocking
If MCA keeps spamming your phone, block their numbers. On smartphones, you can easily block specific numbers. Call your phone carrier as most offer call screening/blocking tools and services too.You can also sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls. It’s illegal under the FDCPA for debt collectors to call numbers listed on the registry.
-6. Don’t Pay
Do not pay any debts to MCA until they formally validate what you legally owe. As discussed above, you have the right to dispute debts and require proof before making payments.Additionally, in most states debts fall off your credit report after 7 years. Letting old debt expire instead of paying can be smart financially, especially if the collector can’t prove what you owe.Just beware missed payments may prompt legal action like wage garnishment. Weigh options carefully.
Getting Help Resolving MCA Debt Issues
Dealing with aggressive collectors like MCA on your own can be intimidating. Here are good options for getting help:
- Non-Profit Credit Counselors: Reputable non-profit credit counseling services offer free consultations to review your debt situation and know your rights. They can mediate with collectors to develop debt management plans.
- Financial Attorneys: As discussed above, consumer protection lawyers can legally stop harassment. Consider free consultations with attorneys to explore options.
- Financial Advisors: Credit experts like certified financial planners can give tailored advice about handling debts based on your overall financial picture.
Don’t struggle alone with oppressive collectors. Using resources like credit counselors, lawyers, and advisors can help resolve MCA debt problems.I hope these tips help you beat MCA legally if they are harassing you over debts. Let me know if you have any other questions!
-