How To Beat Amcol Columbia in Court If They’re Calling and Harassing Me
Dealing with debt collectors like Amcol Columbia can be stressful, especially if they are calling you repeatedly. However, you have rights under federal and state laws that protect you from harassment. Here is some advice on how to handle Amcol if they are contacting you excessively:
Send Them a Cease and Desist Letter
The first step is to send Amcol a cease and desist letter demanding they stop calling you. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), if you write a letter telling them to stop contacting you, they legally have to comply
-.Some key things to include are:
- Your full name, address, phone number, and account details
- Statement that you want them to stop calling and all communication must be in writing
- Statement that you do not owe the debt (if that is your position)
- Request for written validation of the debt
There are sample cease and desist templates online you can use.
Dispute the Debt
If you believe you do not owe some or all of the amount Amcol claims, submit a written dispute explaining why within 30 days. This triggers their legal obligation under the FDCPA to provide complete verification of the debt, like the original contract or billing statements.If they cannot prove you owe it, the account gets closed and the harassment should end.
File FDCPA Lawsuit
If the calls continue after sending a cease and desist, Amcol is violating federal law. You can sue them in civil court under the FDCPA. You can potentially recover up to $1,000 plus legal fees. Many consumer lawyers work on contingency in FDCPA cases.
File Complaints
Also file regulatory complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and your state attorney general. These put pressure on Amcol to follow the law.The bottom line is you have options to stop debt collector harassment. Sending a cease and desist is the first step, but be ready to stand up for your rights under federal and state consumer laws if needed. Let me know if you have any other questions!